Sony is tempting the users of their Playstation Network with a virtual world.

Home is a series of virtual spaces and places. It’s different from Second Life in that you choose which space you want to visit, and then teleport there, instead of walking or flying like in Second Life.

The PlayStation Network, which currently has about 13 million PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable registered users, is integral to Home. The PSN is the network that users access to play each other in online matches, download games or videos to the hard drives of their consoles, and records a player’s success in many of their games.

Sony is banking on users of the PSN wanting a level of social interaction layered on top of their gaming experience, and that they are trusting of the Sony brand. Home will allow users to communicate, either with a keyboard plugged in, or in the future, with headsets. It will also allow users to watch videos and movies in a virtual setting, interacting with other users.

This is the first console attempt at social networking through virtual worlds. It will have to evolve into a usable space, one that changes and modifies based on user experiences and preferences. Other developers will also have to be willing to put spaces and events on Home. It would turn out to be a great advertising space, while giving back to loyal customers and fans and helping to build and maintain brand loyalty.

Right now, Home is in limited beta release, with the plan to open up to more users this fall.

Article Tags: beta | Home | PlayStation | Second Life | Sony | virtual world

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