Since december 11, 2008, Sony Computer Entertainment has launched its virtual world called Home where owners of PS3, like me, can create an avatar in this world. If you want to have a second life, you will need at least 3GB free to install the free program by pressing the PlayStation Home icon and it can be found under the option PlayStation Network column of XMB. PlayStation Home is a ground-breaking 3D social gaming community where you can interact, communicate and share gaming experiences with other users. The installation is very quick but you may pass a lot of times to customize your own

unique avatar because you can mold your nose, your mouth, your eyes even the eyebrows - in fact all your face !!!

If you don’t want to pass a lot of time, you can select one of the predetermined characters and I can say that almost all types are represented (the only one not represented for the moment is an asian character).

“PlayStation Home is truly a promising network community service on the PlayStation platform, made possible with the powerful combination of PS3’s overwhelming computational power and PlayStation Network that covers many countries around the globe,” said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, SCE. “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.”

When done, you can start to live in your studio with a view on the sea – in fact everyone has the same and like your avatar, you can personalize your place. When you feel ready to leave your home, you can start to explore this virtual community in real time where you can communicate freely through text or voice chat.

The first place to go is Home Square (download size 42.6MB) where I can enjoy a variety of entertainment like mini-games, videos and trailers, special events but also create my own community by using the “club” feature to create clubs for example - the price is around €/$5 but from april 2009, Sony will apply a monthly fee not determined yet. In fact, I am able to experience basic features and services for free and some will be charged.

In Home Square, there are 2 big screens which broadcast trailers and you can play chess and draughts with other users if you don't want to chat with them.

For US users, SCEA will launch game themed high definition virtual environments like “uncharted drake’s fortune”, “far cry 2”… where they will be able to discuss about plan strategies, clues… Also SCEA is partnering with other companies like Activision, Electronic Arts… to develop more virtual environments.

Moreover, some partnerships with Lignet Roset or Diesel for example are ongoing so we will be able to buy some stuffs for our apartments. For each place you want to go from Home Square like theater, bowling… you will need to download the package and of course the size depends where you want to go for example 21.4MB for Red Bull Island, 32.7MB for theater…

“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,” said Susan Panico, Senior Director of PlayStation Network, SCEA. “PlayStation Home is a tremendous addition to the growing suite of entertainment services available only through PlayStation Network.”

Red Bull has created the Red Bull Island featuring an airplane racing game and where we can take part in various events of this company and next will be Electronic Arts with its EA Sports Complex where people can experience online sports !!!

If you want to look for me, my ID is cfsphoto so see you there soon !!!

January 28, 2009

 

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