Sony Unveils ‘Home,’ a 3D Avatar Community for PS3 Users
Sony, struggling to deal with fierce competition from Nintendo and Microsoft, has announced a customizable, networked community service for the console, in which users will be able to navigate in 3D while being represented by avatars.
It is the first practical step of a new gaming concept Sony calls Game 3.0, together with LittleBigPlanet, a community-based game where users play, create and share what they build.
Sony’s ‘Home’ for PS3 users appears to be a mix of SecondLife and Nintendo’s Mii. However, the avatars don’t look like cartoon figures. They are very customizable and designed to look like real life humans. Fortunately, you get some free clothes when you start out, so your avatar doesn’t have to run around naked. If you want to be more chic, just buy a few clothes online.
Players can communicate via voice, text chat (supported by a USB keyboard or a virtual keyboard) and through canned speech and gesture. The environment looks like a luxury resort.