It has been an exceptionally long 41 days for PlayStation users. Since the hacker attack in late April that compromised the private information of about 77 million users, loyal fans and PlayStation gamers have not been able to log onto the PlayStation Network and/or access the Qriocity music service and PlayStation store.

Since the first attack, as well as a second against Sony Online Entertainment that was discovered on May 2, Sony has announced the return of online services three separate times. Each time, progress has been delayed. Today, Sony has once again announced a time of restored service–the end of this week.

In a press release from the company, Sony assures users that they “have been conducting additional testing and further security verification of our commerce functions in order to bring the PlayStation Network completely back online…”

They are also hoping to make amends to the roughly 77 million users who have been affected by the PlayStation Network outage. Sony will be offering customers a “Welcome Back” package of services and premium content to all registered PlayStation Network and Qriocity account services. These services, which include possible free games, a selection of free movie rentals and more than 100 free virtual goods, are available depending on where each user lives and what device they own.

41 days in the world of online gaming addictions is one incredibly long span of time to be without a service that comes with the price tag of a Sony PlayStation console, but I am actually quite hopeful that security measures have been taken and that it has taken the company this long to ensure that the safety of their users is protected.

Photo by Evolved Gaming