Playstation Network Back Online Today?

After weeks of gamers inability to get online to play their favorite games, Sony is now in the final stages of internal testing that could see millions of gamers back online as early as today.

Though, no official announcement has been made, it appears that Sony could have gamers back online as early as today or this weekend at the latest. Sony released this statement yesterday via the Playstation Newtork blog:

Today our global network and security teams at Sony Network Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment began the final stages of internal testing of the new system, an important step towards restoring PlayStation Network and Qriocity services.

As previously mentioned, we’ve been working around the clock to rebuild the network and enhance protections of your personal data. It’s our top priority to ensure your data is safe when you begin using the services again.

We understand that many of you are eager to again enjoy the PlayStation Network and Qriocity entertainment services that you love, so we wanted you to be aware of this milestone and our progress. We will provide additional updates as soon as we can.

Execdigital.com is reporting that today could be the day gamers can get back online with several incentives to do so.

Sony execs have apologized for the long delay in restoring the network and has promised that the 77 million accounts that were shutdown, as result of the security breach, will be compensated. Compensation is expected to include:

* free identity theft protection service
* Sony “will consider” helping customers who have to be issued new credit cards
* free selected downloads
* 30 days of free PlayStation Plus service
* 30 days of free service for Music Unlimited subscribers.

In other words, they will be kissing our butts a little, which is fine by me.  So far, there have been no reports of actual credit card theft, but that didn't  stop me from being cautious as I actually canceled my credit card after I found out about the security breach.

As I have said before, I don't play all the time, but it sure will be nice to be back on Black Ops showing my uncanny and unbelievable skills of gaming.  OK, so, I suck...but it's fun to play online.  Time will tell if PSN will back stronger and more secure than ever.

So, keep your fingers crossed, gamers.  The time to blow stuff up, race, or fight is approaching.