PlayStation Home delayed again, maybe they should call Bob Vila to help

by: John - posted: 4/22/2008 6:18:00 AM

They may call it an expansion of the closed beta for Home but really it just means that it's being delayed again although there's a more open beta later this year. Kaz Hirai, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment is asking folks to wait a bit longer to refine the service. Home was announced in about March of 2007 with an eye towards a release of Fall 2007. Well, that's what a NY Times reporter said the release date was. Now, it looks like it won't even make it out of beta in 2008. I have to be honest, Home was one of the features that made me buy the PlayStation 3. I saw it, really thought it looked fun, and decided to finally pick up the machine. It's pretty frustrating that they keep delaying the launch though so I think I'm just going to go with not expecting Home until at least Fall 2009.

Open Beta Service Scheduled For Fall 2008

TOKYO, April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that it will expand the Closed Beta testing for PLAYSTATION(R)Home in Summer 2008, inviting a further number of registrants from the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(R)) users. Following completion of the Expanded Closed Beta test, the PLAYSTATION Home Open Beta service will commence in Fall 2008.

"We understand that we are asking PS3 and prospective PS3 users to wait a bit longer, but we have come to the conclusion that we need more time to refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience than what it is today," said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "Our overarching objective is to provide users with new gaming experiences that are available only on PLAYSTATION Home. Spending more time on the development and on the Closed Beta testing reaffirms our commitment to bringing a quality service, maintaining the PlayStation(R) tradition."

The PLAYSTATION Home Open Beta service that will become available in Fall 2008 will be built around providing new and fun community gaming experiences. Details of the Closed Beta testing features, registration for the test and the opening of the service will be announced as they become available.

About PLAYSTATION(R)Home

PLAYSTATION(R)Home is the visual representation of the PlayStation(R) community. It is an evolving online social gaming service built for PS3(R) users to meet and share gaming experiences.