Update @ 11:50AM PST: The official Xbox Support Twitter just posted the following update:
We’re aware users are having issues logging into XBL & are actively working to resolve. Please visit http://xbx.lv/XBLstus for updates ^JX
Update @ 10:30AM PST: Microsoft has issued a service alert. It states that signing into Xbox Live has been impacted, and has the following comment:
Are you having difficulties signing in to Xbox Live? We’re working to address this as quickly as we possibly can! Thanks for your patience, Xbox members. We’ll have an update right here in 30 minutes.
Original Story: It’s Christmas, and gamers from around the internet are reporting issues when using either Xbox Live or PSN. For both services, establishing a connection, entering the store, sending messages to friends, and playing online games has been an issue for many. For those experiencing the Xbox One and/or PS4 for the first time, it’s been a headache at the worst possible time.
Given Christmas day’s emphasis on gift giving, it is the day known for introducing the largest number of new consoles owners. Consequently, there’s a chance that the unreliability of Xbox Live and PSN has been caused by a surge of traffic demanded by new users who have had to not only calibrate their consoles, but download several gigabytes of updates.
But there’s a chance that the long promised DDoS by Lizard Squad is partly to blame.
Further Reading: Xbox Live Down to Lizard Squad DDoS (December 1st)
On December 2nd, one of the script groups most known for its attacks on online gaming services such as Xbox Live and PSN posted the following on Twitter following a successful attack on Xbox Live:
That’s a small dose of what’s to come on Christmas. #LizardSquad
Its Twitter account has since been suspended.
Meanwhile, Twitter user GDKJordie, a professed member of Lizard Squad, posted the following:
DDoS attack maps such as the one on IPViking.com shows a number of attacks originating from China. These attacks are hitting cities that Xbox Live and PSN are known to be host at, raising questions as to whether or not the frustrations some giftees are dealing with on Christmas are a result of a Christmas Grinch.
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Whatever the case may be, some gamers haven’t been affected by the issues. Xbox Live Status shows most services running, although a few are limited, while PSN Status displays a bright green online. But Christmas has just begun, and chances are that the hateful members of Lizard Squad will spend the entire day trying to take the services down.
