There’s one thing I would say when asked to comment on the video game industry at the moment. I would say “it’s a terrible time to be working in it.” With the rampant abuse of practically every facet of it coming under fire from either haters, the uninformed or the “I could do better” crowd, to name but a few in a vast list.

With that in mind, is it really any surprise that the FBI are getting involved? The International Game Developers Association are now working closely with the FBI to help developers cope with the increase in online abuse. The executive director of the IGDA, Kate Edwards said that the FBI reached out to her during a visit to San Diego Comic Con regarding the matter. She says, “”I had a meeting with the FBI in July regarding harassment,”

Following the recent hacking crimes regarding game developers, celebrities and everyday gamers, not the mention the rise in “swatting” it’s no surprise that “They noted a rise in activity. They themselves monitor this activity, but they’re focused more on cybercrime issues like hacking and very malicious harassment.”

Using the IGDA as a means to get a better view of the situation, the FBI want to use Kate as an “interface for developers so they can share preventative measures”. Hacking and online abuse are becoming a serious threat to the heart of the video game industry that has evidently drawn the attention of some powerful forces. But whether or not this will improve the current situation or simply force hackers to try bigger and bolder projects remains to be seen.

Just recently, the famous and hugely popular PewDiePie disabled the comments section of his channel because of the out pouring of abuse and hate. It just goes to show you that even the loudest voice on YouTube can still feel the bite.

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PlayStation Network users are no strangers to hacking. Though secure most of the time, Sony’s digital platform for PlayStation platforms has been the subject of credit card theft, DDoS attacks and what have you. However, recent users are still reporting issues related to FIFA several months after the problems first started getting reported.

As one Reddit user reveals, his account was hacked and the hackers in question used his credit card details to purchase $50 in FIFA points. While other users complain of being hacked on the Xbox (some despite not even owning the game), the fact that issues still remain with Sony’s platform is a cause for concern – especially since said issues have been known for a while.

One user helpfully pointed out that, “This has happened to many people, and always with FIFA. Resolve the case with Sony first. If you do a chargeback with your credit card company, then Sony will likely ban your account. Also, use a unique (not used on any other website) complex password for your PSN account.”

As it stands, it’s up to Sony to make sure there are no exploits or back-end loopholes for hackers to exploit. Several months after the fact first came to light, has any real effort been made to secure PSN or even acknowledge the problems? Not as far as we can tell, but perhaps Sony are already aware of the problem and working on it. Let us know if similar issues have happened to you on PSN in the comments.

Bet CISPA didn’t think of that.

Regardless, Miller has been sentenced to a year of house arrest – because obstructing a federal investigation by destroying evidence is still VERY much a crime – and will also serve a three year probation, along with getting his high-school degree.

Apparently, Miller was part of a hacking clan called KCUF, which began in 2008 and has since been attacking PSN, according to US District Judge Peter C. Economus. The attacks in question involved the leaking credit card information from PSN as far back as April 2011, which essentially started the wave of attacks to follow since.

If the FBI had recovered his hard disks, Miller would’ve faced a $250,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison. Miller has since been remorseful of his actions and promised not to repeat them.

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We’ll let this story speak for itself. Here’s gamer and Youtube user Nick Bunyun‘s side:

“I played Black Ops 2 for 4 hours, my last game I found a hacker that was aimbotting. I recorded the gameplay and you can clearly see in the killcam him aimbotting. I put those parts in a video, commentated over it saying that I found a hacker, he is clearly hacking and he needs to be banned. Instead, as soon as the video got popularity and started being passed around, it was quickly taken down by Activision and I got a strike on my account. A strike on a innocent account for trying to help Black Ops 2 and reporting the hacker, just so they don’t have “bad” image for having a hacker in the first 24 hours of the game release? That seems unfair.”

Later, Avenged Sevenfold Lead Singer M. Shadows came on to Reddit along with Black Ops 2 lead designer David Vonderhaar for an “Ask me Anything” session. When Bunyun poised this query, about his account being banned despite wanting to help identify people hacking in the game, Vonderhaar simply responded:

“If can be impossible for the people who are watching this know the difference between people trying to get YouTube famous from hacking videos, and those intending to help. It’s a pretty thin line.”

Which is funny because Bunyun’s video was taken down in two hours while a typical “flag” takes days for removing a video. Also, as many users pointed out, Bunyun already has enough subscribers. Youtube fame is pretty much out of the question. And no, Vonderhaar didn’t comment on the matter after that.

PSN will face maintenance from 5.30am and 10.30am tommorow, Sony has said. It’s just the routine maintenance, and not due to any external intrustion that we have gotten accustomed to.

“Please note for the duration of this period SCEE titles only will not be available online, and there may be additional downtime after for testing purposes,” said Sony.

“This will not affect your ability to sign in to the PlayStation Network, and you will still be able to play other titles online.”

And no, don’t get your hopes up for Cross Game Chat capability.

A group had hacked the Playstation 3 console under the name of  ‘fail0verflow’.  They have announced the codes will be released publicly allowing you to download PS3 games and play them on your PS3 with no problem.  I’m sure this won’t last for long, or will it?

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VG247 states that is profile now claims that any Live account could be hacked for $100 via Paypal, and states, ‘I’M A FAGGOT’.

Hyrb has now regained control of his profile, and Live enforcement say they are looking into the matter. This is the second major breach of Live recently, after a Dublin couple were unwittingly sent child pornography in a message through the service.

He tweeted earlier, “A fun last night at PAX East! Thanks to everyone who has asked, but my account it now fine. Thx to @Stepto and team who are investigating.”