Sony unable to update gamers as PSN remains offline

Sony has admitted it is unable to update PlayStation 3 owners on when the PlayStation Network will be back online or give any clarity as to why the online service has been unavailable for almost a week.

The company took PSN offline last Wednesday, admitting over the holiday period that the measure was due to "external forces."

Sony is in the process of "re-building" the system, a move it acknowledges is time consuming and frustrating for players that want to engage in any multiplayer gaming, download or purchase new content or use any of the other online services it offers.

"I know you are waiting for additional information on when PlayStation Network and Qriocity services will be online. Unfortunately, I don't have an update or timeframe to share at this point in time," said senior director of corporate communications Patrick Seybold on the PlayStation blog.

"As we previously noted, this is a time intensive process and we're working to get them back online quickly. We'll keep you updated with information as it becomes available. We once again thank you for your patience," he added.

The PSN troubles are deeply embarrassing for Sony, likely to strain relationships with content providers and upset PlayStation 3 gamers.

While Sony is passing limited information to the user, theories are emerging as to why the service - which boasts 75 million registered accounts - is currently down.

The latest high-profile rumour suggests a recent custom firmware update allowed users to download content from the PlayStation Network using fake credit card information.

Sony has not revealed whether any secure PSN account information such as credit card details have been accessed by hackers.

Activist group Anonymous, which said recently that it would step up attacks on Sony, has denied any involvement with the current problems.