“Sony Computer Entertainment Inc today announced that its highly anticipated PlayStation Home Beta service for PS3 will become available for all PS3 users around the world on December 11, 2008,” read the release.
“Following the successful completion of the closed beta service, PlayStation Home's open beta service will continue to evolve with new features and functionality.”
Sony went on to clarify that the service will remain free to download, and can launch directly from PlayStation Home icon placed in the PS3’s cross media bar (XMB).
"PlayStation Home is truly a promising network community service on the PlayStation platform, made possible with the powerful combination of PS3's overwhelming computational power and PlayStation Network that covers many countries around the globe," said Kazuo Hirai, CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment. "We are committed to providing PS3 users with exciting gaming experiences with PlayStation Home and together with our partners and users, expand the new world of interactive entertainment as we move forward."
US-bound PS3 owners will see the service launch with a number of virtual ‘spaces’ already included, promoting games such as Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Far Cry 2. Virtual spaces for games such as Warhawk, Resistance 2, Guitar Hero and SOCOM are scheduled to arrive soon.
“In these environments, users will discuss specific games, plan strategies and access content and clues that will enhance their gaming experience. Through these virtual environments, publishers will be able to increase and extend consumer interest in their game titles via new mediums of game play,” read the release.
SCEA is currently working with Activision, Disney Eidos, Electronic Arts, Lucas Arts, THQ and Ubisoft, to extend Home’s virtual environments.
Specific details on the UK launch were not announced.