Home > News > Spooked by the 2011 PSN Hack, Some PlayStation Customers Want Sony to Say Exactly What Went Wrong With PSN Over the Weekend

Spooked by the 2011 PSN Hack, Some PlayStation Customers Want Sony to Say Exactly What Went Wrong With PSN Over the Weekend

Author:Kristen Update:Feb 26,2025

Sony's PlayStation Network (PSN) experienced a 24-hour outage over the weekend, attributed by Sony to an unspecified "operational issue." Following the restoration of services, Sony issued an apology and offered PlayStation Plus subscribers an extra five days of service as compensation.

However, this response has been met with criticism from some users who demand more transparency regarding the cause of the outage. The 2011 PSN data breach, which compromised the personal information of approximately 77 million accounts, fuels concerns and skepticism surrounding Sony's vague explanation. Users are expressing anxieties about potential security risks and requesting information on preventative measures to avoid future disruptions.

The 2011 PSN hack remains a significant concern for many gamers. Photo by Nikos Pekiaridis/NurPhoto via Getty Images.
Social media reactions range from requests for detailed explanations and future preventative strategies to accusations of a disturbing lack of transparency. The demand for clarity extends beyond simple apologies; users are seeking reassurance about the security of their personal data.

The outage impacted not only online multiplayer games but also single-player titles requiring server authentication or a persistent internet connection. GameStop's attempt at humor regarding the situation backfired, highlighting the retailer's shift away from video game sales and drawing criticism online.

Several third-party publishers have responded to the disruption by extending in-game events or limited-time modes. Capcom extended its Monster Hunter Wilds beta test, and EA extended a major multiplayer event in FIFA 25.

Despite acknowledging the outage and its resolution, Sony's limited communication has fueled further calls for greater transparency and detailed information on the root cause and future preventative measures. The company's brief statements have clearly failed to alleviate the concerns of many PlayStation users.