Massive Global PS3 Network Shutdown

After gaming all weekend, finally hooking up with Alistair vis-a-vis "Dragon Age: Origins," I decided to give my PS3 a break. At approximately, 7:30 p.m. eastern time, I booted up my PS3, tried to sign in to the Playstation Network, but was instead greeted with an error (#8001050F). So, like my fellow gamers (many as I will soon find out), I scowered the forums to try and find a cause and resolution. And within minutes of refreshing, a forum that was 3 pages long became 30 pages long filled with PS3 gamers having the same exact problem. It didn't take long to realize this was no mere coincidence.

Speculations surrounding the source of the problem went first with a possible maintenance or update problems, to the Playstation Network server being down. After learning that PS3 slims seemed to still be functioning, unaffected by this "problem," other theories arose, including a problem with the calendar (a leap-year miscalculation, perhaps) on older PS3s. It's been more than 12 hours now, and gamers (including this one) are getting worried and anxious. Sony will want to reconcile this ASAP, especially with the release of 2 certain titles just around the corner -- God of War III and Final Fantasy XIII; and especially since is affecting Playstation's most "loyal" fans. Those that purchase the original PS3s upon first release, etc.

So here's what we know:

All around the world, PlayStation 3 consoles simply aren't functioning preventing people from even playing some offline games. Non of my trophy-enabled games work and all my downloaded games have reverted back into their "trial" form. Game saves are lost as well as trophies and several themes. It seems like only original consoles are having problems, as PS3 slim users are able to log in with, supposedly, no problems. And most have noticed that their system date has been reset. Could it be calendar problem, a PSN problem? Then why are some offline games being affected.

According to SonyPlaystation on twitter:

• We're aware that many of you are having problems connecting to PSN, and yes, we're looking into it. Stay tuned for updates. about 13 hours ago
• PSN status update: We're narrowing down the issue and continue to work to restore service to all. Updates as soon as we have them. about 10 hours ago
• PSN status update (part 2): Readers/followers are confirming that "slim" units (120/250 GB models) are connecting normally. about 10 hours ago

PS3s still aren't functioning and no official update has been made in 10 hours. Watch this space for updates and if you have more information, let me know.

UPDATE (3/1/2010, 11am): While Playstation US hasn't provided an update for the past 13 hours, Playstation EU gives us a little word. 2 hours ago, the following was posted: Rest assured, we've many people working on fixing this issue. As soon as we have some news, we'll let you know. They also note not to trust info. unless it's from an official Sony source. While this isn't any "new" news...it's at least 3 posts within the last 3 hours...This is agony...

UPDATE (3/1/2010, 12:20pm): Sony has posted a statement regarding this issue.

We believe we have identified that this problem is being caused by a bug in the clock functionality incorporated in the system.

We hope to resolve this problem within the next 24 hours. In the meantime, if you have a model other than the new slim PS3, we advise that you do not use your PS3 system, as doing so may result in errors in some functionality, such as recording obtained trophies, and not being able to restore certain data.

Get the full details here.

UPDATE (3/1/2010, 9:30pm): At approximately, 9:30pm (eastern time), about 26 hours since PS3 global meltdown, Playstation Network Service was restored. And theories that this may be a internal clock problem are confirmed. According to Sony's statement:

We are aware that the internal clock functionality in the PS3 units other than the slim model, recognized the year 2010 as a leap year. Having the internal clock date change from February 29 to March 1 (both GMT), we have verified that the symptoms are now resolved and that users are able to use their PS3 normally.

If the time displayed on the XMB is still incorrect, users are able to adjust time settings manually or via the internet. If we have new information, we will update you through the PlayStation.Blog or PlayStation.com.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

So, if you haven't done so already (I did right before posting this update), go on and boot up your PS3 and catch up on lost time...now I can finally open up "Heavy Rain."