Sony is remodelling PlayStation Home to put games at centre stage in a virtual world that merges console-quality play with styles of social gaming that are hits at venues such as Facebook. Sony Computer Entertainment America announced that it is remodelling Home, which is used by more than 23 million people worldwide, as part of an evolution from a social network into a social gaming platform. Home launched in late 2008 as an online world in which PlayStation 3 videogame console users represented by animated figures referred to as “avatars” could socialise and play. The Home redesign includes the creation of a “hub” that integrates games, quests, community events, user-generated content, shopping and more.
PlayStation users with be able to “transport” their animated characters to game districts with themes such as action, sports, and adventure. Home is at the heart of Sony’s PlayStation Network that lets owners of PS3 consoles access games, films, and other entertainment. Home has more than 230 titles available and has been incorporating successful social game models such as free play supported by advertising or sales of premium content.