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GameSpot Video Games, PC, Wii, PlayStation 2, GameCube, PSP, DS, GBA, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

PlayStation Home beta comes to Europe

Closed beta for Sony's virtual world has started in Europe.
By Emma Boyes, GameSpot UK
Posted May 2, 2007 9:11 am PT

The first phase of the European beta for PlayStation Home kicked off yesterday evening, starting with "a small group of both internal staff and known beta testers."

Sometime during "summer," the online community will be made available to a wider group of testers. Those who are interested in signing up can register their interest on the company's Web site.

Sony Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison first announced Home--billed as a community-based, three-dimensional sim for the PlayStation Network on the PlayStation 3 console--at this year's Game Developers Conference.

In the US, Sony confirmed that the beta would also run in two phases, with 15,000 users beta testing in April and 50,000 in August, although numbers have not been given for the European beta. Home is set for release in the US and Europe "around October or November time," according to SCEE's senior PR manager Jonathan Fargher.

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178 Comments

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KingX

give it out earlier Sony! your current online stuff is stinky!

Posted May 19, 2007 1:52 pm PT
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theKSMM

I can't say that I'm excited about seeing PlayStation Home, but I am curious about it. I might not mind being a beta tester. Still, the best potential feature for Home would be having a unified way of getting into online games. Right now that's the biggest advantage of XBOX Live!

Posted May 12, 2007 5:12 pm PT
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TrumpyTheDog

This is nothing more than something else to hide the lack of quality titles available, I didn't pick up a PS3 to fart around on SecondLifeLite... I want something to play.

Posted May 4, 2007 2:02 am PT
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zsc4

Nice, good on Europe..

Posted May 4, 2007 12:48 am PT
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GrimBee

It's still amazing how alot of my friends (who have ps3's) don't really use the online functions of the ps3.

Its strange, my friends who have 360's now (previous xbox owners) immediately wanted the console online. I guess it was second nature especially after the first xbox.

But ps2 users aren't really accustomed to using a playstation for online stuff, not many games were link-friendly, and more pc-nerds had xbox's than ps2's. So I guess the multiplayer and online stuff is more natural to an xbox fan, than a playstation fan.

So, it still amazes me how some friends only use online for updates, not bothering with trailers, online games or especially the "home". Alot of them hardly even know what "playstation home" is!!

Somehow, I reckon that "home" is a bit too much of a departure from what Playstation users are used to. It seems more at "home" on the wii, or the pc.
I like playstation, with my 360 (that I used to have) I liked playing online. It was one of those "to do" things on the console.
I played the wii, and any game without motion controls is just a waste of money (imo).
And I use my friends ps3 to play those playstation favourite games that I am used to - in no way am I compelled to use the "home" thing. I think its a bit too different for the style of the console.

Posted May 3, 2007 9:49 am PT
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chrisdojo

home = all hype

Posted May 3, 2007 7:13 am PT
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Elite_Jounin

Hi haters.....GOOD WORK SONY!

Posted May 3, 2007 6:15 am PT
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TTDog

"hovan316: HOME will take over the online gaming world...just wait and see..."

That seems to be the Sony fanboy anthem "Just wait and see..." or "Just wait until september..." or "Just give it six months...."

Why wait when you can get everything you're waiting for NOW on PC or other consoles?

Posted May 3, 2007 1:48 am PT
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kavadias1981

Yay

Posted May 2, 2007 11:11 pm PT
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dark_drex

only for 15K & there is more than 3M ps3 user!!!

Posted May 2, 2007 10:51 pm PT
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Serious

I think Home is a great idea. However, I somehow doubt that it will be the social engine that Sony is hoping for. Let's face it. Most of the console buyers are guys. I doubt there will be very many girls on the system. Maybe a bunch of posers or internet predators seeking out the young and naive. Will Sony have a system to address this danger to kids. yeah I know not too many kids parents could afford it but you never know. I for one look forward to the interaction with other players.

Posted May 2, 2007 9:46 pm PT
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jakeboudville

Good to hear but i'm still not convinced by the concept of it

Posted May 2, 2007 9:27 pm PT
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UrbanMessiah

I must admit, Home does look like it could be a fun little time waster...Something to goof off on in-between game releases. Hurry up and drop the PS3 price, Sony, so I can join in the fun! -=x

Posted May 2, 2007 9:23 pm PT
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PSPZero

Cant wait to get a ps3 filled with home lol

Posted May 2, 2007 7:46 pm PT
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GPSnake03

can't wait for home! but cmon..

Posted May 2, 2007 7:33 pm PT
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TheJoker003

well, finally some progress in home

Posted May 2, 2007 7:25 pm PT
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rosssca

How exactly do you sign up on the Home Web site? It's the same message as always. You are wrong.

Posted May 2, 2007 6:13 pm PT
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Skat137321

still waiting for home to go at least on open beta...i know it's too soon but i'm very impacient about testing it

Posted May 2, 2007 5:09 pm PT
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bboycookie2

home seems really cool.i think i will get my ps3 at the end of this month

Posted May 2, 2007 4:55 pm PT
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stunt_boarder03

They sad 15,000 in April... I've checked the website 5 times a day since it was announced and I haven't seen anything...

Posted May 2, 2007 4:43 pm PT
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the-very-best

Hopefully the final build makes it before GTAIV is released.

Posted May 2, 2007 4:30 pm PT
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JoeyDrey

I dont understand, I got an email for the US version of the beta and we are still waiting on some sort of confirmation, wheres the email Sony?

Posted May 2, 2007 4:00 pm PT
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justincoool

can't wait for home!

Posted May 2, 2007 3:51 pm PT
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Someguyinavan

I dont like the people that comes here and have zero intresting in PS3 or home... Just trying to convince people too not buy a PS3 is stupid..

Posted May 2, 2007 3:41 pm PT
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majindustin

Sony said at GDC that the Home beta would start in April, and I haven't heard anything else about it besides this...

Posted May 2, 2007 3:24 pm PT
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plastic1980

"Those who are interested in signing up can register their interest on the company's Web site."

No you cant....

Posted May 2, 2007 3:23 pm PT
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g_hart

Don't get me wrong. I want MGS, GTA, and several other games on the PS3, but this is the first thing that I can actually say that I'm looking forward to.

Posted May 2, 2007 3:17 pm PT
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mad_tyger

Cool, glad to see Europe getting the chance to test Home out. I just signed up through Gap, so I hope I get chosen

Posted May 2, 2007 3:16 pm PT
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lilmp89

F1sTDaCuffS
wow...yea...besides the fact that Europe is pretty well on the top of the list to pay back for all the delays...Chances are that all Home beta testing for the US will be held exclusively to the PS3 owners within the Playstation Gamer Advisory Panel, who have beta tested numerous games for the PS2 for a few years now.

Posted May 2, 2007 3:11 pm PT
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hovan316

HOME will take over the online gaming world...just wait and see...

Posted May 2, 2007 3:06 pm PT
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sanjt

levent18 why don't you post an intelligent reason for why you disagree with chunky's statement that you don't buy a games console for one reason. Go on. Give it a go.

Posted May 2, 2007 3:05 pm PT
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FurioustigerGR

chunkybloodfart

You don't buy an Ipod for one song.
You don't buy a phone to make a call to one person.
You don't buy a DVD player for one movie.
And you don't buy a system for one game.

======================================================

You don't buy a CONDOM for one WOMAN !!!!

Posted May 2, 2007 3:04 pm PT
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gnrlcryingwolf

yeah you own the world. but it's not that you're good at it, now are you? :-)
anyway, if i wanted this "home" crap, i would buy the sims. much ado about nothing

Posted May 2, 2007 3:04 pm PT
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F1sTDaCuffS

crap on the usa huh. it should be beta here first, dont they know we own the world.

Posted May 2, 2007 3:02 pm PT
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lilmp89

levent18
Can you comprehend what comes out of yours? The idea he's expressing is true and a very important fact all people should take into consideration before making an investment in any product.

Posted May 2, 2007 3:02 pm PT
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levent18

chunky do u actually believe the crap that is comming out of ur mouth?

Posted May 2, 2007 2:59 pm PT
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ex-paranoia

king-akt > It was invite only.

daniel665 > I'd rather play tennis and all those other sports, outdoors where they belong. In Home they are just gimicks. Things to waste time on, they aren't really meant to mimic the Wii gameplay or anything like that. Home is just a virtual space, where you can meet up with friends, meet new people to add to your friendslist, view other people's achievements through their "trophy" room. And if you wanted to watch their videos or listen to the music on their hard drives, then you can visit their "space". It's just a small online 3D community where you can chat, meet new people, and even launch online games from.

Posted May 2, 2007 2:34 pm PT
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sanjt

chunkybloodfart, you speak the truth!

Posted May 2, 2007 2:30 pm PT
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snipe2004

Home looks very interesting and will really expand the psn to what it needs to be...as good as LIVE or better. i guess all the bashing the xbots give is probably because this might surpass their precious LIVE.

Posted May 2, 2007 2:30 pm PT
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Haruhi_love

HMMMM if home works well then it will be a nice addition i will have to check up on it at a friends house as hes gona beta test it hopefully it will be cool.

Posted May 2, 2007 2:23 pm PT
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daniel665

Also as for having a virtual house/life in home i guess secondlife people will love it but i have to say i already have a good life and don't have as much free time as i would like due to work so why would i wanna spend it in a virtual world where quite frankly you won't bebale to smell,touch,feel things like u do in the real world. i think its crazy but i guess that a matter of opinion.

Posted May 2, 2007 2:21 pm PT
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daniel665

Home does look intersting but i have a 360/wii and if i wanted to play pool, bowling, golf, baseball,boxing,tennis, air hockey,shooting etc id rather play it on the wii as its alot more fun/immersive with the remote/nun chuk. I hope that they will release an update that allows people to play these games online as well. IMAGINE having a friend round to play doubles in tennis against another group of friends from some where in the world. how cool would that be. Homes good but nintendo have already been there done that using miis and WII PLAY/WII SPORTS. Plus using the remote to play these games feels like you are actually on the tennis court/ bowling alley. Can't see Home beating this experience. SOLS TO THE PS3 FANBOYS BUT IT'S TRUE. don't beleive me have a go on a wii and then come back and tell me im talking crap.

Posted May 2, 2007 2:18 pm PT
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king-akt

im suprised, as there homebeta website always says "check back later", there wasn't even a chance to sign up.

Posted May 2, 2007 2:13 pm PT
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snipe2004

@anakid

its going to be free.

Posted May 2, 2007 2:10 pm PT
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bkslayer

it's completely free to download and use

Posted May 2, 2007 2:09 pm PT
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anakid

Will people have to pay for home, is it going to be like buying a new game or it is going to be a free download from the sony network? Anyone know?

Posted May 2, 2007 2:07 pm PT
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xtremeimport

home should give Sony a boost, if it does what they say it will.
it looks like something different and entertaining. although, some people dont want different so it could be a problem. But its good to see Sony working on their online, since apparently thats why people are buying the Xbox instead.

Posted May 2, 2007 2:04 pm PT
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