Sony expands PS3 Home beta

Sony is inviting gamers to its new Home -- while it's still under construction. In a post on the PlayStation blog today, PlayStation Home director Jack Buser confirmed that Sony will be expanding the closed beta test of its PlayStation 3 online service starting at the end of the month.

To be added to the beta programme, gamers must download a new Home theme on the PlayStation Network. Sony will thin the herd of applicants "using a variety of criteria including activity on the PlayStation Network..." Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is likewise expanding its closed beta testing of the Home service, but it will choose gamers based solely on how 'active' they've been on PSN and the PlayStation Store.

Home is Sony's attempt to set up a virtual online community consisting of PS3 users. Within the world of Home, players will be able to establish and decorate their own living spaces, chat, watch movies and play games together, and be exposed to a wealth of paid advertisements. Originally announced in March of 2007, Home was initially slated to launch that autumn. An open beta test is expected to begin later this year.