PlayStation Home pushed back again

Sony extends the closed beta for its ambitious avatar-based online service; open beta now scheduled for fall 2008.

First it was scheduled for release in late 2007, then it was delayed to Spring 2008. Now PlayStation Home has been pushed back even further, with Sony Computer Entertainment today announcing that the service's closed beta would be extended, with the open beta now not expected to begin until Fall 2008.

Home--Sony's Second Life-like online service for the PlayStation 3--was first unveiled in March 2007. In a statement, Sony Computer Entertainment president and group CEO Kaz Hirai said the company needed more time to complete Home.

"We understand that we are asking PS3 and prospective PS3 users to wait a bit longer, but we have come to the conclusion that we need more time to refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience than what it is today," he said. "Our overarching objective is to provide users with new gaming experiences that are available only on PlayStation Home. Spending more time on the development and on the closed beta testing reaffirms our commitment to bringing a quality service, maintaining the PlayStation tradition."

According to the press statement, an open beta for Home will begin in fall 2008, while the closed beta would be expanded with more participants throughout summer 2008. There was no tentative date scheduled for a full release.

870 Comments

  • ariel13941

    Posted Nov 20, 2008 2:37 pm PT

    Rumors say is coming out Nov 21, which is tomorrow. I hope is the real release date. =/

  • guitarhero64

    Posted Sep 30, 2008 5:18 pm PT

    I want a release date!!

  • samdonni

    Posted Sep 24, 2008 5:19 am PT

    @ shaun_mcwayne

    Because of course, Microsoft have everyones best interests at heart dont they...

  • Darkblyth

    Posted Aug 17, 2008 1:01 pm PT

    Are They Making A City In Home Now

  • shaun_mcwayne

    Posted Aug 15, 2008 6:29 am PT

    by the time this comes out the xbox avatar system will be out also. i think it will be free to download but it will probably cost ya for new downloads like clothes and vids and stuff, if you think ps3 will put money into this and get no return, your probably a playstion fan boy who thinks sony is ur best pal. they dont even know or care who you are they just want ur cash sorry fanboys. get a grip.

  • whantwhant

    Posted Aug 5, 2008 1:41 am PT

    playstation if you dont do somthing this fall wii and x box are going to have an head start over you bacause both consoles have now thought of a way of coping you in a non ilegal way theres animal crossing for wii and the new xbox crappy dash board and have a guesss what with AVEATERS WHAT A SURPRISE SO SONY DO SOMTHING PLZ

  • princesslawless

    Posted Jul 26, 2008 12:59 pm PT

    so we are looking @ early 2009 then ?

  • megamaster32

    Posted Jul 22, 2008 8:53 am PT

    That stinks oh well guess I could play sl on the pc for awile

  • Cannabis64

    Posted Jul 19, 2008 2:24 pm PT

    nvm i read down a little bit. so now im even more excited and willing to allow delay, it will only make it better.

  • Cannabis64

    Posted Jul 19, 2008 2:22 pm PT

    this is a top of the line service, but will i need to purchase this? and one time fee for monthly?

  • Darkblyth

    Posted Jul 18, 2008 2:26 pm PT

    yeah. they say if its a long wait it be great as ever who is they i don't know

  • burstlimit514

    Posted Jul 15, 2008 11:07 pm PT

    Be patient yall. Its going to be free. So i think we should just wait so its better. I just want a realease date.

  • burstlimit514

    Posted Jul 15, 2008 4:26 pm PT

    I hope i can download it during release. I cant get any demos or trailers they take forever or have an error.Sony is 2008!

  • lucasbadong

    Posted Jul 15, 2008 1:37 pm PT

    OMFG still no release date for home! this is ridiculous. at sonys e3 conference today they showed home for like 30 seconds and had like nothing to say about it. man just give us an expected release date at least.

  • Sychronised

    Posted Jul 15, 2008 3:05 am PT

    You retard kos1085! Playstation Home is FREE...And it's going to be downloadable via the Playstation Store.

  • COD_4_KING

    Posted Jul 13, 2008 5:27 am PT

    is it ever comming out ????

  • kos1085

    Posted Jul 8, 2008 9:14 am PT

    @IIHitandRunII. The December 31 date is just a place holder to say that allow preorders at game stores and online. The reason why most sites list December 31 is because it is the last day of Fall 2008 when these games are expected to release.

  • IIHitandRunII

    Posted Jun 30, 2008 2:04 am PT

    why are some games coming out December 31 do they thinks that's cool??? (Sims 3, COD: World at War PC Version, Naruto, and Home.) i mean its good that good games are coming out that day but what the hell.....

  • Rhen_Var

    Posted Jun 28, 2008 9:01 am PT

    Man, you guys are always so abrasive when it comes to delays.
    You guys complain every time a game gets delayed but then why complain about Home? Unless your super excited and can't wait for it at all, I don't see a reason to be so pissed off when Home is going to be free.

  • marco245

    Posted Jun 21, 2008 12:34 pm PT

    This will be a great addition to the PS3 lineup, and great fun. Guys, how in the hell can you whine about something that's free? I can't wait. Sure it's a pain, but the pie is that much sweeter when left to cool.

  • sebs3

    Posted Jun 21, 2008 11:12 am PT

    >>CrazyLeftyKid
    I certainly imagine (and may be wrong) that you own a PS3 and not an Xbox 360? Your bias wreaks in your message and it begs the question: what does anyone really know thus far about PS Home? Even if it is a lifelike community with a virtual avatar of myself is it really worth it when all I want is an online service to know what my friends are doing? Dont get me wrong, the idea is rather genius, rather than migrating through private chats but rather "sitting in a room" with a group of your friends could completely blow minds. Lets just hope Sony with this time preceding release makes the right decisions on interface and what things to keep and what things to keep out.

  • triumph69420

    Posted Jun 20, 2008 10:55 pm PT

    No industrilulz nazi wanna beez or Fur porn is shown!?! Ugh! How shall it ever beat second life?

  • crazyleftykid

    Posted Jun 19, 2008 5:34 pm PT

    this will kill a lot of competition. Microsoft will have to think of something fast because with something like this, PS3 will skyrocket. SECOND LIFE is the next generation internet and with it coming out on PS3, microsoft will scared. big time. if Sony can execute a move like this really well, the 360 and the Wii are in for some serious trouble.

  • wixar

    Posted Jun 18, 2008 3:45 pm PT

    just you wait. I really do not mind waiting if it is worth it. there have been enough examples for things being released before their time (gothic 3 anyone?) if they make it good i don't really care how long it takes. although i have to admitt even as a real sony fan (and pc gamer) there are not very many good games out yet (crysis was crap compared to the hype it generated). but i still believe the ps3 has much untapped potential (and in my opinion x360 will be at its limit soon). Sony's strategy however is really intransparent. I just hope Sony wont do more stupid things, and release some nice exclusives soon (the haze demo was absoluteley enough for me in a REALLY BAD way). but it is looking good after MGS4.
    We'll just see what happens.

    greetings
    /moddie
    [edit]
    P.S.
    DELAYSTATION *gg* thats a good one!!! i really like sony but even I am getting pissed off at all these delays they should just say its done when its done and give no release date at all until they are reasonably sure.(satisfied ps1 & ps2 owner)

  • broncofancrazy

    Posted Jun 18, 2008 3:07 pm PT

    packster doesnt look great anyways

    You are a idiot for saying that. Your probably a 360 owner and just scared cause this will make ps3 better.

  • tengen23

    Posted Jun 17, 2008 10:11 pm PT

    generalmojo, what does that even mean? has Sony only been able to develop on their own console for the past seven months? is that your explanation for why Home isn't out yet? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING IN CAPS FOR? ... and other pressing questions.

  • Aries03

    Posted Jun 16, 2008 7:11 am PT

    man not again....

  • mystmaster

    Posted Jun 11, 2008 6:12 pm PT

    yes, it does indeed blow that Home is pushed back even farther, but this is something that usually helps out. Look at any big Blizzard or Id software game, their release dates are usually "Whenever we feel it's ready." It's the same case here. Besides, quit your b*tching, metal gear solid 4 comes out TOMORROW.

  • BebopEdward

    Posted Jun 11, 2008 5:22 pm PT

    Sony has completely failed its users, I cannot express my sincere disappointment in the playstation3. It had so much potential but sony has dropped the ball on everything from getting exclusive games, to constantly delaying its supposedly great Home Network. Sony can do better then this.....

  • masters89 posted Jun 8, 2008 4:56 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    masters89

    Posted Jun 8, 2008 4:56 pm PT (hide)

    Another Delay ? whatever Sony , we got used to this ... keep delaying untile you fail.

  • nht12101990

    Posted Jun 2, 2008 5:10 am PT

    Gamerkiduri, seriously what does that have to do with anything?

  • packster

    Posted May 30, 2008 9:06 pm PT

    doesnt look great anyways

  • JBDragon posted May 30, 2008 7:44 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    JBDragon

    Posted May 30, 2008 7:44 pm PT (hide)

    What, is HOME coming out at the launch of the PS4, but on the PS3 with it's 10 year life span? This is just silly, but bother, release it as part of the PS4 on release day of that console. It's a little late and pointless on the PS3.

  • gamerkiduri

    Posted May 27, 2008 3:03 am PT

    i hve both consoles but most of there games r the same like gta4 etc. unlike the wii. i luv both consoles but i like ps3 bit more

  • Sasuke1002

    Posted May 25, 2008 2:03 pm PT

    tyhgqwert: you are a noob. as far as im concered both systems have good games, and both systems have "bright futures" your just pissy cuz you dont have a Xbox 360.

  • InuHanyou1701

    Posted May 19, 2008 9:26 pm PT

    tyhgqwert: "stop the fanboy tendacies. It just prove you haven't been laid."

    Thank you! I am more of a 360 person myself but I have to say i get sick to death of hearing "Ha ha 360 pwns PS3!" or vice versa. Everyone has different tastes. DEAL WITH IT PEOPLE! And Gamespot you need to update the release date on this since it's clearly not being released anytime in Q2 2008.

  • gtafighter0

    Posted May 9, 2008 4:05 pm PT

    tyhgqwert: right on brother! although i cant say the same thing exactly since i dont have a 360 myself. back to the subject... bad thing to this is that i cant wait till the fall and the good thing to this is its gonna be better then it was supposed to be when it was gonna come out in the spring so... cant wait!

  • liquidsnake_xx

    Posted May 3, 2008 12:13 am PT

    In the coming years i bet they will DELAY the realese date of the playstation 4!!!! But if it was me i would call it the new DELAYSTATION!!!

  • liquidsnake_xx

    Posted May 2, 2008 5:11 pm PT

    wow...first delay was on the ps3 itself...mgs4.....and now the ps home!! Thats all you hear when it comes to sony is that (ITS BEEN PUSHED BACK) Im getting fed up with sony but it dont matter!! After i beet mgs4 there is no reason to own a ps3!!!

  • Raephius

    Posted May 1, 2008 9:42 pm PT

    I bought my PS3 the very first day they were available, and have downloaded plenty of updates since then. Why not just take the same approach with Home? Let people dabble while you work out the big details, and then just pour on the icing when the cake is ready, yo! No point in stirring people up by continuously disappointing them.

    But I suppose a year's delay is Sony's style, right? I bought my PS3 with promises of "Lair" and "Heavenly Sword", and then -FINALLY- a year after buying it, one was buggy, and the other was shorter than watching Lord of the Rings.

    But I guess I have no reason to Complain. Sony is doing this for the players, and is doing it for free. Using that massive corporate bank account to do more than just put chrome on their cars, and TVs in their toilets. Respect, Sony; Respect.

  • Amir29

    Posted May 1, 2008 9:23 am PT

    I appreciate Sony's commitment to quality, but I feel that a large part of their testing should be if they can handle such a large capacity of clients at once. There's no doubt in my mind that EVERYONE will be using home heavily when it's released and Sony should be preparing for that. Closed Beta is great to get suggestions from users on content, but I really think that even that closed Beta should be regularly expanded to see if the servers' threshold is reached. Looking forward to the Open Beta though. In the end, when we all have it, we'll forget about the delays and enjoy this new FREE service. So for now, I'm very happy about their dedication to quality over meeting unrealistic deadlines.

    ... And for those of you who came here to trash talk PS3 for more pointless console war talk, this is a good example of Sony's continued dedication to quality hardware and software. Maybe if your Microsoft boys weren't so concerned with deadlines, your Halo 3's wouldn't cause so many smoke detectors to go off.

  • RayPissed

    Posted Apr 30, 2008 3:32 am PT

    Who cares if it's delayed? Like anyone is gonna be bored of GTA:IV before this drops.

  • SamuriChamploo

    Posted Apr 26, 2008 9:38 pm PT

    Wow. That's not a long wait at all! The fall? Sheesh. I could sleep, and it would be here that's how soon it's gonna be here. Plus, with this wait, it'll be even cooler! Well, I can't say I like waiting, but it'll be worth it. This sure has everybody talking!!

  • DiabloRaul

    Posted Apr 26, 2008 3:33 pm PT

    Sony's delay is another mistake but it doesn't bother me much since I have a 360. I really don't take what anyone says here seriously because as soon as Home does come out, none of the comments here saying they aren't going to care anymore or they have been waiting forever for this and it is an atrocity will matter because you'll get it anyway. 360 and PS3 have much of the same games and those that aren't available on the PS3 are available for the PC which in my opinion is better then consoles. My point is to stop kidding yourselves and just wait like good little boys and girls cause eventually it will be out and you will buy it anyway.

  • bbartrop

    Posted Apr 26, 2008 9:22 am PT

    How far do they wanna push this back. i do wanna get it some day

  • 00Terry00

    Posted Apr 26, 2008 7:07 am PT

    ....In my opinion, I think Sony is doing a good job, despite the delays and MS.......well, no offense, I think MS is always thinking about the money$$(Dudes, look at XBOX live and the PS3, they charge you just to use the online services.=.="). They don't give 110% of effort into their work. They just release the thing as soon as its done or when the deadline comes.

  • shockster4life

    Posted Apr 25, 2008 5:48 pm PT

    coming out summer 09: playstation home beta 2.5 haha

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