Sony PlayStation and Microsoft’s XBox Live networks, the popular gaming systems, were down over Christmas as hackers took credit for the crash.
The PlayStation Network and XBox Live, platforms for multiple-user gaming and streaming apps like Netflix, saw users shut out in the early hours of Christmas Day. A group by the name of Lizard Squad sent tweets teasing the attack on Wednesday, quickly claiming credit after.
“Xbox live off button,” one tweet read, pasting an IP address from Washington state, where Microsoft is headquartered.
“We are aware some users are unable to sign into Xbox Live. Our teams are working to resolve the issue. Visit xbox.com/support for status updates,” a Microsoft spokesperson told TheWrap.
When asked to clarify the nature of the service disruption, they added the company does not share details on the root cause of specific issues.
PlayStation confirmed their own connectivity problems, tweeting, “we’re aware that some users are having issues logging into PSN – engineers are investigating.”
We’re aware that some users are having issues logging into PSN – engineers are investigating
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) December 25, 2014
Our engineers are continuing to work hard to resolve the network issues users have experienced today. Thanks for your continued patience!
— Ask PlayStation (@AskPlayStation) December 26, 2014
Lizard Squad also threatened further attacks if they didn’t receive retweets and follows.
Get this tweet 2,000RTS and make sure to follow @iBeZo if you want us NOT to hit XBOX and PSN #offline for the rest of the night! RT — Lizard Squad (@FUCKCRUCIFIX) December 26, 2014
“Xbox live and PS4 have been down all day,” one avid gamer said. “PS4 has been hacked before by a group of hackers, who have also hacked Blizzard, Steam, and other big gaming companies with online servers.”