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All around the world, PlayStation 3 consoles simply aren't working like they're supposed to, with a PlayStation Network error preventing people from not just going online, but from playing some PS3 games offline as well.

From Europe to the Americas to, well, my house in Australia, users (mostly of older "Fat" consoles, those released before 2009's "PS3 Slim") are complaining that upon booting their consoles up, they're unable to sign into their accounts, check their trophies, use dynamic themes or access the PlayStation Network. That's fine, Sony say there are PSN connection problems, and that they are "looking into it".

Problem is, the error does more than just prevent you from going online. It prevents you from playing certain games offline as well. The screen above is what I was greeted with when attempting to play Heavy Rain, and pressing out of it simply reboots the PS3, returning you to the main menu screen. It's the same story for other games that feature dynamic trophy support.

Sony say "stay tuned" for updates on the problem. In turn, we've emailed Sony for comment and will update if we hear anything more.

While theories abound that this has something to do with the calendar (some users are reporting their date/time settings have been reset), bear in mind Sony has redesigned its PlayStation website over the weekend, so it's likely the result of some tinkering under the hood for the PlayStation Network.

Whichever it is, though, you have to wonder at the design process that turns a network outage into something stopping you from playing an offline, singleplayer title.

but from playing some PS3 games offline as well.

stitch626 wrote:

but from playing some PS3 games offline as well.

How would this work if you aren't connected to the net to begin with?

Tyyr wrote:Some games require certain content from online to function. If you have no net connection you likely aren't playing them to begin with.

Sionnach Glic wrote:Ah, the wisdom of never buying one in the first place. 8)

Tsukiyumi wrote:

Sionnach Glic wrote:Ah, the wisdom of never buying one in the first place. 8)

Last console I bought was the Super Nintendo.

Tsukiyumi wrote:"Steam" is an insidious pile of corporate crap that they've tried to force on people to prevent piracy. Your computer has to link to the Steam network in order to activate a game you bought.

Nice try, arseholes!