PlayStation Home opens its doors

Home, the 3D social gaming community service on PlayStation 3, moves into its open beta stage.

From December 11, 2008, PlayStation 3 owners can download PlayStation Home free of charge. The ground-breaking service allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming experiences through their personal avatars.

"PlayStation Home is truly a promising network community service on the PlayStation platform, made possible with a combination of the power of PS3 and the PlayStation Network that covers many countries around the globe," said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment.

All you need to download Home is a PlayStation Network account and access to PlayStation Store. Providing you have the latest system software update installed, the Home icon will appear under PlayStation Network on the PS3 Home Menu (XMB).  

Initially, you can chat in Home Square and head over to the Bowling Alley to bowl with friends, enjoy a few racks of pool and play on the arcade cabinets. In the Home Theatre, you can watch trailers for the latest games and movies, lifestyle programming from Hexus TV and gaming content from Eurogamer. Look out for the latest trailer of upcoming superhero blockbuster, Watchmen, and an exclusive video greeting from its director, Zack Snyder. Approaching the film's release, themed virtual merchandise such as t-shirts and character figurines will be made available and members of the cast and crew will be stopping by for exclusive Q & A sessions.

More themed areas are on the way, including spaces for Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Warhawk, MotorStorm, SOCOM and Far Cry 2, and several third parties are on board to produce new content in the near future. You will soon be able to customise your avatars and apartments with the latest virtual clothing from Diesel and stylish furniture designed by Ligne Roset. And look out for the Red Bull Island, where you can jump into the cockpit of a Red Bull Air Race plane and compete against other Home users.

"PlayStation Home is unique compared to anything else in the gaming world and, by partnering with both global and regional gaming and non-gaming brands, we are able to offer exciting and entertaining content that will enhance the PlayStation experience," said Daniel Hill, Home Service Manager, SCEE.

Unlock PlayStation Home and interact with the PlayStation community in a more sociable way than ever before.

PlayStation 3 owners, welcome to your new Home.