Anyone who wants to play console games in offline mode during the holidays, like Destiny, faces serious limitations. The blame likely lies with a self-proclaimed hacker group.
On Christmas Eve, December 24th, during US evening hours, and also for the first and second nights of celebrations, a group of well… individuals, seeking to gain fame through their Twitter account, announced that they would take down the PlayStation Network (PSN) and the Xbox Live (XBL) network. They have at least partially succeeded in doing so.
Without these networks, players cannot log into online console games like Destiny. Once logged in, players should be unaware of the attacks.
We’re aware that some users are having issues logging into PSN – engineers are investigating
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) December 25, 2014
A second group has then confronted the first group, aiming to make their Twitter account popular by taking down the first group (and possibly has intentions for donations or a job offer).
The first group has been doing this for almost half a year now, while the second group has been at it for a month. There is back and forth. No one can really verify if those claiming to have any real impact actually do and if the self-proclaimed “Whitehats” are really hindering the others…
There are extremely strange videos, interviews, and accusations, alleged arrests, threats, and so forth. Actually, it was said months ago that they would stop, but it seems they have developed a taste for “E-Fame” and can’t get away from it.
The fact is: The networks of the consoles from both Sony and Microsoft are currently facing difficulties.
Both companies are working on a solution, as they confirm to gaming sites like Polygon. They do not comment on where these problems arise from or who is responsible.
We have also decided not to mention any of the involved groups or even post their Twitter handles.
On the IP map of the company Norse, you can admire the global DDOS ship-sinking live in all sorts of colorful hues.
Update 9:00: In a similarly surprising as well as kitschy turn of events, the “eccentric” internet personality Kim Dotcom offered the so-called hackers lifelong privileges at his internet download service if they stop the attacks against Xbox and PlayStation.
Kim Dotcom is indeed an enthusiastic Destiny player, active on the Xbox One (2 level 31 Warlocks, 1 level 30 Hunter) and apparently wanted to enjoy a round of Destiny over Christmas (well, he will enjoy the PR boost as well). The privileges only apply as long as the “hackers” keep their feet still and no longer attack the networks.
Xbox Live and PSN services coming back. Many regions fully restored. Full recovery imminent. Enjoy your gaming holidays. You’re welcome 🙂
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) December 26, 2014
The hacking attacks have stopped a few hours ago, say the “hackers”. Allegedly, there are still clean-up operations underway at the networks. That should be resolved soon.
