The PlayStation 'HOME' Information Thread!

Smeg0rz · 29 Jan 2008 at 14:58

The time is coming closer to Homes release on the PlayStation 3, and I thought with the lack of HOME related topics on this forum, it would be a good idea to start a thread about the subject.

What is Home?
Home was first announced by Sony's Phil Harrison along with 'LittleBigPlanet' at the GDC 2007, It was an instant hit, just like LittleBigPlanet, and was slated to release in October 2007 in open-beta form. It's a 3D Social networking 'tool' that will allow you to customise your own online avatar, customise your own apartments and can be used as a gateway/lobby to online games.

October 2007? So where is it?
As the time grew closer Sony got more and more quiet about Home's release even though it was apparant that around 50,000 people where invited into the closed beta program. It's now clear that Kaz, Sony's new gaming president stopped the early release because it was not up to his standards.

It's said that although it was ready to go live, it was short on features that where planned to be upgrades just like how Sony improve the firmware of the hardware.

Current Release Gestimate : Mid-April 2008 (Out before GTA4)

Videos
GDC Intro Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZY2vwlh5-g

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Will Add more later - Would be greatful if we can add this to the PS3 FAQ list

wedgie · 29 Jan 2008 at 15:04

Not up to 'his' standards!?

Funny that, a lot of the stuff released on PS3 so far hasn't been up to our standards. :rolleyes:

Kreeeee · 29 Jan 2008 at 15:19

I wonder how late into the PS3's lifespan this will be released.

andshrew · 29 Jan 2008 at 15:22

Smeg0rz said:
Current Release Gestimate : Mid-April 2008 (Out before GTA4)

I'd be surprised if it came out then, maybe an open beta around that time if your lucky.

Kreeeee said:
I wonder how late into the PS3's lifespan this will be released.

Pretty early into its life span considering it's meant to have a 10 year one...

Smeg0rz · 29 Jan 2008 at 15:27

Don't understand why people are negitive about it, ps3 is free online remember.

Kreeeee · 29 Jan 2008 at 15:28

Smeg0rz said:
Don't understand why people are negitive about it, ps3 is free online remember.

So?

wedgie · 29 Jan 2008 at 15:29

No negative comments about Home itself in the thread so far.

wannabedamned · 29 Jan 2008 at 15:32

<Kanye>

HATEEERS!

</Kanye>

FirstSecond · 29 Jan 2008 at 15:42

Home looks really good, I just hope it doesn't take long to log into it when you start it up, it's one of the reasons Xbox Live is so good, you turn the console on, you're in, fast and simple.

KNiVES · 29 Jan 2008 at 16:05

Smeg0rz said:
Don't understand why people are negitive about it, ps3 is free online remember.

Do you like free turds? No, neither do I. I'm not saying the PSN is a turd (in fact, I'm actually berating Live for costing money while the PSN is free) but it has standards it needs to live up to, and it is getting there. Home is a part of that.

Inoshishi · 29 Jan 2008 at 16:36

I'm going with a September release along with LBP, I'm pretty sure they will arrive together.

AGD · 29 Jan 2008 at 16:44

Looks like HOME will blow xbl away.

Don't know if this has been posted but this gives a better idea of what it'll be like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCWYG2syuhI&feature=related

Tobes · 29 Jan 2008 at 16:53

bibalasvegas said:
If (and it's a big if) HOME works well and has the features in that youtube vid it will absolutely blow xbl away.

Woh woh woh. XBL doesn't even blow away PC online gaming so if anything, serious gamers want less crap and be able to get in a online game as quick as possible.

Btw I'm not being negative to home, just pointing out there are different types of gamers.

Inazuma · 29 Jan 2008 at 16:57

Smeg0rz said:
The PlayStation 'HOME' Information Thread!

Well first of all... there's lack of information about Home in the first place

Nanoman · 29 Jan 2008 at 17:06

Granted Home offers something original, whether you like its features or not is down to you personally. At the moment if Sony implemented in game XMB I probably wouldnt be too bothered about Home as PSN will be spot on for me then! & Live doesnt intrest me simply due to the £40 you have to pay in order to aquire that service! (+ all P2P)

Soulja · 29 Jan 2008 at 17:10

bibalasvegas said:
Looks like HOME will blow xbl away.

Don't know if this has been posted but this gives a better idea of what it'll be like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCWYG2syuhI&feature=related

lol...just lol

Nanoman · 29 Jan 2008 at 17:17

Tbh Home probably will blow XBL away.

AGD · 29 Jan 2008 at 17:17

Tobes said:
XBL doesn't even blow away PC online gaming so if anything, serious gamers want less crap and be able to get in a online game as quick as possible.

The thing is most people aren't serious gamers and home could be really successful because it will appeal to casuals and girls (think sims). This is why it will be big. People already spend lots of money in second life and things like that.

I don't have a console and do prefer just getting into the game but I believe this will have a big effect on the future of consoles.

msmalls74 · 29 Jan 2008 at 17:18

Bit more info i found yesterday

Home was originally due out in October 2007 but has since slipped to March, as Sony puts the finishing touches to its online virtual world. You probably know that Home is some kind of virtual world for socializing and whatnot, but what else has it going on?

1) Community-friendly
Home is a community-based application for the PS Network that allows you to create your own avatar, give it its own apartment and decorate it with items you unlock for all your achievements.

2) Constantly updated
Once the launch of Home has all kicked off and everyone has settled in, Sony plans to introduce a slew of new additions, including a range of clothes for you avatar and household pets.

3) Size matters
At the moment, word is that Sony reckons the entire application will weigh in at around 500MB when it launches, so downloading won’t be a chore.

4) Lounge lizards
When you first enter Home you’ll end up in a huge lounge with a bunch of other gamers. Once in there you can take on other players in various minigames like billiards or bowling.

5) Visit the Hall of Fame
There will also be a Hall of Fame, which includes a Trophy Room where users can show off their gaming prowess. The more trophies you’ve got, the more skilled a gamer you are (or the less of a life you have).

6) Stay in touch
Communicating with your friends or other users through Home should be an easy affair. You’ll be able to use the virtual keyboard, a regular keyboard, a USB/Bluetooth headset or e-motions (gestures like waving at people or dancing).

7) Download demos
Sony is also planning on creating theaters within Home so you can watch and download new game trailers that are making their debut on the network.

8) Exclusive events
Sony and other publishers and developers will organize huge events like exclusive previews of new games, interviews with developers, and first-looks at forthcoming PS3 crackers.

9) Movies and sports
Rumour has it that live sporting events will also be broadcast on Home alongside concerts, so this could also mean that we’re going to get the chance to watch movies too.

10) Virtual PSP
The look of your avatar, your apartment decorations, where you want to travel and all the settings will be controlled by way of a virtual PSP. Clever interface, or shameless advertizing gimmick

Link http://www.gamesradar.com/gb/ps3/ga...58&sectionId=1003&pageId=20080128103018997017

Tobes · 29 Jan 2008 at 17:20

bibalasvegas said:
The thing is most people aren't serious gamers and home could be really successful because it will appeal to casuals and girls (think sims). This is why it will be big. People already spend lots of money in second life and things like that.

You have to decide what Home is. Is it a service like XBL or is it a big game like second life.

EDIT: By game I should be more precise and say "big interactive chat room"