SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT announced today that it will open up its Home online virtual environment to all PlayStation 3 users from tomorrow onwards.

Home will allow the users to create their own avatars whilst also enabling participation in a real-time virtual world.

Users will be able to interact with other players though voice as well as text chat using the service which provides mini-games, videos and special events.

Starting tomorrow, Home will be available to any PlayStation 3 user that has their console linked-up to a broadband connection. Once online, PS3 users will be able to download the software from the PlayStation Network section of the menu.

The launch of the beta test has been anticipated for quite a while. It was first unveiled in July last year and initially was promised for global release later in 2007, but was pushed back to early 2008. It was again delayed due to Sony's desire to 'refine' the service and rescheduled for a 'Fall' launch as an open beta.

Kaz Hirai, president and CEO of Sony's gaming unit said, "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."

In Europe, the gaming environments available will start with "Far Cry 2" and be joined soon by those for "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune," "Warhawk Resistance," "Motorstorm" and "SOCOM."

European tie-ups include Atari, Electronic Arts, Midway, Sega and Ubisoft on the games side. Video content will also be available from Hexus TV and Eurogamer.
Sony says some content will vary by region