Sony Launches Home Beta Website

[BrewCityUpstart]

After the newest PS3 attraction was announced at last week's GDC, it has created a lot of positive press and gamers who are suddenly interested in Sony's new system. Home is on the way, and it looks very, very interesting; a feature that could feasibly revolutionize how we interact with one another in a virtual setting. And while the official launch isn't until fall, Phil Harrison announced there would be a public beta available next month.

You can't sign up for it just yet, but that day is coming soon. Sony has launched the Home Beta website, which is where gamers will register for the beta...eventually. The site doesn't offer a time estimate and simply tells us to "keep checking back," but that's okay. Who else desperately wants to be a part of this? As soon as the beta registration begins, we'll let ya know ASAP
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[Jon Liu]

Interesting. I'm curious enough to try to get into the Beta. I am not necessarily fond of the whole idea of "Home" but, I'd love to still check it out.

[Serren]

It seemed really cool at first to me also. But the more I think about it, the more it seems to be just a gimmick. How long can someone wonder around looking at dancing strangers. How long until the kids just start f'ing with people and conversations? Will there be Sony police moving about to keep them in check? No cloth hacks?

Plus, I think most of the cool stuff is going to cost real money. They mentioned in the ad that you will be able to purchase furniture and better clothes. So really, Home is just a giant ATM for Sony.

It still looks cool, and could have potential, but I want to see what it looks like 6 months after release and see what happens.

[Peench]

Apparently it will be a bit gimmicky. For one thing it will be run as a separate application. That is, you have to run it from the x-bar and then sit there and wait for your friends. Your friends cannot visit your "home" unless you are in the Home environment (i.e. not playing games, etc). If you all can arrange a game you want to play, you have to exit out of the "home" program and then start up your game. Once you end the game and want to chill back at your home to hang out with people and/or arrange the next game, you have to exit the game and start home back up. Seems a little bit too much work to make coordinating gameplay easier.

I'm still interested in seeing what it has to offer as social sights have really taken off. Plus they can always add functionality later by listening to feedback and implementing new stuff.

[BrewCityUpstart]

If they add an Irish pub/strip bar and allow us to touch and punch the strippers....I'm in!