PlayStation Home pushed back again

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.