Sony launch PS3 virtual world PlayStation Home
Sony Computer Entertainment unveil 3D environment PlayStation Home for PS3
Sony Computer Entertainment has
announced the long awaited launch of its virtual world for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) will be available globally today, 11 December 2008.
PlayStation Home, which has been in closed beta for more than twelve months, will launch with new features and functionality that includes the ability to create and customise avatars and chat with other users through voice chat and text. Within the Home 3D environment, PS3 users can explore their virtual community in real time, play mini-games and share videos and special events with friends and other community members.
Sony Computer Entertainment?s Group CEO, Kazuo Hirai says that Home is a promising community network that covers multiple countries around the world. Hirai goes on to say, ?We are committed to providing PS3 users with exciting gaming experiences with PlayStation Home and together with our partners and users, expand the new world of interactive entertainment as we move forward.?
For the official launch, SCE has partnered with publishers such as Disney, THQ and UBISOFT to develop dedicated virtual environments within Home. Additionally, consumer brands such as Red Bull Diesel have come on board to provide customisable content and dedicated campaigns to directly reach and engage with consumers.
Susan Panico,
PlayStation Network?s senior director comments on the launch partners, ?PlayStation Home is a social gaming service unlike anything else on the market and we are excited to be partnering with gaming and non-gaming partners to develop content that connects and entertains today?s PS3 users like never before. PlayStation Home is a tremendous addition to the growing suite of entertainment services available only through the PlayStation Network.?
Red Bull has become the first consumer brand to launch a social media campaign within PlayStation Home ? creating Red Bull Island with an airplane racing game to promote Red Bull events, including the Red Bull Air Race. The FMCG?s brand?s island will not be completed until early 2009.
Read more