PlayStation Home Release Date Announced
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2008 10:17
PlayStation Home
And it's much sooner than you think.
In fact, it's tomorrow. Sony's community service PlayStation Home will release to all PlayStation 3 users tomorrow, and since it's an organic platform, they've wrapped it under the mantra of "Open Beta." As I'm sure you agree,
it's about bloody time and it's a pleasant surprise for it to finally be released.
You'll be able to interact with other Home inhabitants using your very own avatar, in your very own apartment. You can even create Clubs for those with similar interests. The service will also include spontaneous events and competitions, all promoting a "be there or be square" attitude.
And since PlayStation is all about video gaming, there'll be a bunch of spaces for your favourite games, such as Far Cry 2, Uncharted, Warhawk, MotorStorm and SOCOM. Sony are also making an effort to work with leading publishers (such as EA, Ubisoft, Midway, Sega and Atari) to bring even more game spaces.
"We are very excited to be bringing PlayStation Home to Europe and the PAL territories, offering users an interactive, social, gaming experience," said Daniel Hill, Home Service Manager. "PlayStation Home is unique to anything else in the gaming world and by partnering with both global and regional gaming and non-gaming brands, we are able to offer exciting and entertaining content that will enhance the PlayStation experience."
Surprisingly, major brands outside of gaming will be making an appearance in Home, such as fashion label Diesel, contemporary furniture designers Ligne Roset, energy drink Red Bull in a virtual Air Race Championship, film studio Paramount Pictures and video content providers Hexus TV and Eurogamer.
The closing of Sony's press release is the most promising;
"SCE will
vigorously promote the expansion of the world of PS3 by introducing new services that will open up new possibilities and enjoyment in interactive entertainment." *
Because remember the
Gamezine reader's PlayStation Home formula? Advertising, Expansion, Free.
PlayStation Home will release to all PlayStation 3 users tomorrow, Decemeber 11th.
Patrick Steen
*My emphasis.