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[Carl]

I have a feeling they'll recycle the quests, but throw in new rewards. Still, the space has a nice atmosphere so I look forward to getting back to it.

Even that's fine by me as i honestly can only remember a couple of them. It had a great atmosphere, and with added snow in Home Square, i'm looking forward to having a look tomorrow

 

[Oni Jazar]

PS Home turns 2 - New games announced.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/12/10/playstation-home-turns-two-new-games-incoming/

Fun facts:

New Games:

Conspiracy - Coming Jan 2011

There is a mystery afoot! Jet Set Games is getting ready to release its first ever PlayStation Home game and is ready to take players into a secret world filled with covert infiltration and espionage with their new action/puzzle game, Conspiracy. Conspiracy will have players join different factions as they work to steal goods from enemy corporations. As the rival corporations battle it out, they will uncover the mysteries of the ultimate Conspiracy. Be prepared to learn the secrets of the Conspiracy world in early 2011.

Sodium 2

Veteran PlayStation Home developers, Outso, are back with a sequel to their highly successful PlayStation Home game, Sodium One. Sodium 2 is looking to expand on every area of the original game with heavily customizable jet racers, supersonic speeds and a pounding soundtrack. The future of Sodium is coming soon, so be on look out for Outso’s new game coming in Spring 2011 to a teleporter near you.

Still no word of using personal music & videos in your private zones.

Actually I think one of the most important issues that should be addressed now is using Home avatars in non-Home games. I think that would get more people interested in their avatars and customizations.

 

[spats]

Sodium Two, about goddamn time they announced it.

 

[Suzzopher]

Looking forward to Sodium 2.

 

[StealthGoblin]

Really nice growth and the addition of more games is awesome.

 

[Majine]

I would like to know what "Userbase" is. Every person who's ever logged in, or?

 

[60_gig_PS3]

I admit I thought it was going to suck but I kind of like Playstation Home.

 

[DMeisterJ]

I would like to know what "Userbase" is. Every person who's ever logged in, or?

More than likely. The same way that the userbase of a console doesn't delve into whether someone plays their console daily, or only plays it once ever. How else would you count 'userbase'?

 

[Carl]

The growth is pretty awesome. I never got in to Sodium One (in fact i never checked it out) maybe i should give Sodium 2 a look

 

[Pachimari]

PlayStation Home are one of the best things to come out of this generation.

 

[Zen]

More than likely. The same way that the userbase of a console doesn't delve into whether someone plays their console daily, or only plays it once ever. How else would you count 'userbase'?

I think they mentioned once that it had to be returning users (as they have put out stats for that in the past), but the time period of return is probably fairly lenient.

 

[TheSeks]

Sodium One is at least better than the Midway 1/2 and Space Station games. But I want more PS3 GAMES on the service than these social "pay-for-more" games. :/

 

[spats]

Here's the Uncharted 3 shirt you get for watching the UC3 trailer in the theater.

 

[spats]

http://www.alphazone4.com/2010/12/playstation-home-awards-2010-interview-ndreams

Alphazone4 posted an interview with Home developer nDreams. Hit the link to read the whole thing.

First, for those who may not know what you do, could you tell us a little about yourself and some of the things you have produced in Home.

nDreams have been creating games, spaces and items since Home launched. Our first project was the first ever console ARG, ‘Xi’. Since then, we’ve created lots of lots of spaces, games and items. Some of these we’ve published ourselves (such as the Musicality / Pirate Galleon apartments, the active cow-snatching UFO, the Fantasy Fashion / Halloween clothing ranges and more recently, Benji & Nipper). Some of them have been for other companies, such as the moonbase for GAME, Home TV, and most of the last year’s event spaces for the wonderful team at SCEE.

What would you like to see more of in Home in the future?

I think 2011 will be the year that Home truly becomes a games platform, where you’ll see some killer games released solely in Home. It’s going to be very exciting, and I think the Home community is going to get a *lot* bigger.

2011 could indeed get interesting...

 

[StealthGoblin]

If they got DLC that could only be unlocked in Home, as well as more retail games unlocking Home spaces/items, the service would grow even more.

If you give people free stuff, they'll be more inclined to try something out, and if they get a reward during their first visit, they'll get that reward and continue to use the service.

If they got basic games like Farmville or something like it put into Home, I can see the place making more megabucks.

 

[Majine]

EU Home this week: Spheres.

December is a great month for events, and so it is that this week we announce the launch of the PSN Sphere public space. The brand new PSN Sphere will showcase the top PlayStation Network titles and act as a hub for accessing the uniquely themed event spaces devoted to each title. At launch, the Sphere will host three classic and much-loved event spaces: Fat Princess, Hustle Kings and Gravity Crash. In addition, those who love puzzles should try out the maze mini game, in which you’ll use the SIXAXIS controller to navigate a glass ball towards a portal against the clock. There’s a reward on offer for each area navigated … if you’re fast enough! The Sphere will be worth revisiting over time, as it grows with information about upcoming titles as well as themed areas for the best titles; the first of which is due soon, and is sure to send a shiver down your spine!

Christmas: a time for good food, good times … and good sledging! The good people at Audi have taken their long-held interest in all things winter sports related to another level with the design of their technically peerless Audi S1 Sledge concept. Now this isn’t your run-of-the-mill toboggan. Nor is it available in the shops any time soon. But through the magic of PlayStation Home you can now give this sledge-to-end-all-sledges a run down the piste. Have you ever noticed those glorious snow-covered peaks in the distance from the Audi Home Terminal? The Audi S1 Sledge game takes you there to the Audi Alpine Lodge to test your sledge skills. For those that are successful there are a range of fantastic rewards to be won. Oh, and who said the yeti doesn’t exist…. Happy sledging! While you’re visiting Audi, don’t forget to get your votes in for the questions that will be submitted to Audi for a Q&A soon. Voting ends December 20th!

Enjoy a good murder mystery? Head for the GAME space this week, where you’ll find a selection of items from Relentless’ Blue Toad Murder Files! In the Billabong store there’s another new release, featuring ladies tight jeans and vests for the guys as the highlights. The MyDeco store has taken delivery of new stock, including lamp, seat and festive tree. Finally, Codeglue’s Cardboard Cartel store updates with a special Santa costume (he’s on a reindeer!) alongside a range of new dresses sure to set new ladies fashion trends in Home this winter.

 

[MattyH]

is there a neogaf club i can join????

 

[StealthGoblin]

If I may, I am going to plug my article about PlayStation Home, called 'The Ghosts of PlayStation Home's past'. In it I cover Homes origins, its troubled development, its launch and a few of the standout games that have been born on the service.

Its part one of three and the other parts will be up later this month.

I plan on hopefully getting some Q&A's/interviews with a few of Homes standout developers too if this goes well.

 

[TTP]

If I may, I am going to plug my article about PlayStation Home, called 'The Ghosts of PlayStation Home's past'. In it I cover Homes origins, its troubled development, its launch and a few of the standout games that have been born on the service.

Its part one of three and the other parts will be up later this month.

I plan on hopefully getting some Q&A's/interviews with a few of Homes standout developers too if this goes well.

Great stuff. Short and sweet and with all the relevant info in it. It's always nice to read this types of articles.

 

[StealthGoblin]

Great stuff. Short and sweet and with all the relevant info in it. It's always nice to read this types of articles.

Thanks. I think Home deserves a lot more attention than it currently gets in the media so I'm aiming to give it a lot of exposure.

We even had a home developer (MyDeco) set up a subforum on that website who took requests for Home items.

I hope they find a way to integrate Move controls into Home. Its something I think would help the service because Move is a very intuitive control scheme in general.

 

[Majine]

These weeks in pictures.

That is beautiful.

What? It's friggin' cold, man.

Inside the PSN logo. I knew.

 

[spats]

If I may, I am going to plug my article about PlayStation Home, called 'The Ghosts of PlayStation Home's past'. In it I cover Homes origins, its troubled development, its launch and a few of the standout games that have been born on the service.

Its part one of three and the other parts will be up later this month.

I plan on hopefully getting some Q&A's/interviews with a few of Homes standout developers too if this goes well.

Nice read, good work.

 

[Man]

When will Novus Prime launch for EU Home?

 

[spats]

When will Novus Prime launch for EU Home?

Isn't it up already?

 

[Man]

Isn't it up already?

I browsed the spaces but didn't see it. Have you played it in EU Home?

 

[spats]

I browsed the spaces but didn't see it. Have you played it in EU Home?

Yeah.... I think I even posted impressions a week or two back in this thread.

 

[Man]

Hah, it's actually there.

Why isn't it one of the promoted spaces and far down the list?
It's the coolest addition since MLAA, Sodium and Xi.

 

[ROFL]

 

[Carl]

I took some pics on Home this week as well. I visit a lot but don't usually take many pictures, but as the winter spaces are so beautiful, i took some. Thought i would share.


This picture is from inside the cinema screen showing the Uncharted trailer...taken at ~2AM

Here's the new Home Square fully dazzled up for Christmas

Winter Wonderland decorations

And finally, here's the Midway 2 space at about 4AM. And people say Home isn't popular

One more purely for lulz

 

[Ploid 3.0]

Man these Home xmas decorated areas are awesome. Love the xmas lights.

 

[spats]

The new Audi sled game is pretty cool, but also quite challenging. Took a while to get into a game though.

And didn't even notice I had an anniversary shirt in the inventory. London Studio or whoever designs this stuff have good taste, wouldn't mind a shirt like that for real.

 

[Winterblink]

Are they ever going to drop the beta tag on Home?

 

[Ploid 3.0]

Maybe next gen.

 

[pharmboy044]

Great pics guys! Anyone here in the Japanese Home? I would like to see some pics from there.

 

[spats]

Are they ever going to drop the beta tag on Home?

There was a rumor circulating earlier that it would leave beta this year but that's not going to happen at this point. 2011 propably.

 

[RoadHazard]

What's the reason for limiting the number of simultaneous players in every game in Home? I mean, I already have the content on my HDD, so just let me play it! It all feels very forced, like they're trying to make it more life-like (because in real life, you have to wait for your turn). They could at least have a queueing system, so you wouldn't have to frantically press X over and over, hoping to beat the other people doing the same when a slot opens up.

 

[spats]

They could at least have a queueing system, so you wouldn't have to frantically press X over and over, hoping to beat the other people doing the same when a slot opens up.

Some game do queues, don't understand why all of them don't.

 

[Winterblink]

Some game do queues, don't understand why all of them don't.

Probably because there's no requirement to do so mandated by the platform. Which is unfortunate really.

 

[Majine]

When will I be able to use my home dudes face as PSN avatar. Damn it.

 

[StealthGoblin]

What are peoples thoughts on Home potentially being a feature on the PSP2? Sony cancelled Room for PSP, but I was thinking that if the PSP2 is as powerful as being reported, it should comfortably be able to manage Home's visuals and if it has a persistent internet connection as an option. . .it could potentially be a great feature.

If they manage to get more DLC or exclusive content unlockable exclusively via Home, you could potentially complete a Home challenge to unlock costumes, cars etc for your games. I think it would improve Homes standing in Japan for sure and would boost the service in general. It would get more people using it everywhere I think.

A Home away from home, if you will. . .

 

[patsu]

What's the reason for limiting the number of simultaneous players in every game in Home? I mean, I already have the content on my HDD, so just let me play it! It all feels very forced, like they're trying to make it more life-like (because in real life, you have to wait for your turn). They could at least have a queueing system, so you wouldn't have to frantically press X over and over, hoping to beat the other people doing the same when a slot opens up.

Probably to budget server size. Some games are sponsored and don't need to queue.

 

[RelentlessRolento]

What are peoples thoughts on Home potentially being a feature on the PSP2? Sony cancelled Room for PSP, but I was thinking that if the PSP2 is as powerful as being reported, it should comfortably be able to manage Home's visuals and if it has a persistent internet connection as an option. . .it could potentially be a great feature.

If they manage to get more DLC or exclusive content unlockable exclusively via Home, you could potentially complete a Home challenge to unlock costumes, cars etc for your games. I think it would improve Homes standing in Japan for sure and would boost the service in general. It would get more people using it everywhere I think.

A Home away from home, if you will. . .

I'd totally be down for it. I'd be fine with runnign lower rez everything even if need be.

 

[StealthGoblin]

I'd totally be down for it. I'd be fine with runnign lower rez everything even if need be.

Given the alledged power of the PSP2 and the smaller screen, I think it should be able to run Home pretty much the way it is. It doesn't have massive amounts of physics, particles etc to potentially budget for, just an outright budget for the scene. It has a built in mic so voice chat won't be an issue either. I think it would be perfect.

__________

PS there needs to be a fucking GT5 and Team ICO space made. Quite why Sony didn't get a GT5 promo space up before launch is beyond me.

 

[Majine]

EU Home this week: Museums.

This Thursday morning will be our last update for 2010, and comes with a range of new content. Leading the charge is the new Xi Museum where veterans can return to many Xi spaces that were a highlight of 2009, and those who missed Xi can experience some of the games and unique personalities (I’m looking at you, Stapler!).
So without further ado, here’s what you can expect with the long awaited launch of the Xi Museum which consists of a series of spaces from Xi, the epic PlayStation Home Alternate Reality Game played by over 750,000 people. Along with an updated Alumni hub space, the Xi Museum consists of all three AlphaZone 1 spaces (Hexopolis, Maximum Tilt and the Text Adventure room) plus all four AlphaZone 3 mazes. The hub also sees the addition of the Xi Museum Shop, which has eleven unique items for sale – from full-size Maximum Tilt bikes for your apartment to your own version of Jess’s Xi party apartment (can you work out how to open the safe?). You can also buy your own active Stapler for your apartment, who will share new words of wisdom with you every day, as well as an incredibly cute Stapler companion. Throughout the Xi Museum you’ll find a variety of tasks: complete them all to obtain eleven collectible Xi ornaments! To celebrate the Xi Museum launch, nDreams will be giving away ten Stapler companion items in a special quiz – check out their Twitter feed at 7pm GMT this Thursday (@patrickol) to take part!

With the success of Sodium, a one year anniversary under their belt and the announcement of SodiumTwo fresh in people’s minds, many might have thought the Lockwood Publishing Team were off for a well deserved holiday break. Well we couldn’t have been more wrong. Just in time for Christmas Eve the Lockwood team have released the answer to every Home user’s Holiday Shopping woes, the Lockwood Gift Machine and what’s more it’s free. So if you’re about in Home over the Holidays, grab a gift machine and send a friend a present. The Gift Machine comes with 64 Free Lockwood Tokens and a range of preloaded gift options, you’ll never queue at the store again.

SingStar fans should look out for a special festive update to the SingStar space on Thursday, including music and that special wintry feel. Looking for a new look for your personal space? The MyDeco store updates again this week, with thirteen new items joining their range. They’ve been teasing it for a while in their shop front, now the V-store brings a smile to everyone … smiley style! Finally, it appears even zombies celebrate the festive season, as Double Six release a new range of items.

 

[spats]

PS there needs to be a fucking GT5 and Team ICO space made. Quite why Sony didn't get a GT5 promo space up before launch is beyond me.

The lack of a GT5 space really is bafflingly stupid. It's SCE's biggest property and they won't bother to do any marketing in Home besides some free racing costume? It wouldn't even need to be anything fancy. Have a trailer running on a monitor and hand out a miniature car for your apartment or a floating GT logo above your head. Come on.

Jack Buser seriously needs to start pulling some strings. Cambridge Studio is a super talented bunch and they've obviously already done tons to improve the Home experience. Despite that the whole thing seems to be in a state of stagnation from the average core gamer's perspective, despite the piles of content they add every week. And how can it still be in beta? With the recent MLAA and optimization patch the performance is above acceptable and the load times are greatly improved from what they were at launch. They better be sitting on some seriously big stuff for 2011.

It's nice that the service is profitable for them, but it feels like such a missed opportunity that Home hasn't been further integrated into PSN in any way, be it trophy support or using your Home avatar as you PSN avatar as mentioned above.

I'm sorry for my quarterly Home rant, it's just sad for me to see them squandering such great potential like this. Home presents lots of opportunities for developers and the platform holder to experiment with fun and engaging social interaction within PSN and even transmedia marketing, but instead it feels like they're pissing it away and letting rivals beat them to the punch. They've already proven there's a shitload of money to be made in this stuff.

Shame Phil Harrison left. He seemed to get it.

 

[carlosp]

been in home today again after quite some time and wow it is a lot of fun. The world is much more vivid right now and it still looks great. There been A LOT of people online and honestly Home is the coolest online advertising place ever. For example there was that A-Team track staying around. I go to that track and press X. Suddenly a flat screen appears and it shows me the movie trailer for the BD release. This is what i always the Internet wanted to be.

It is A LOT of fun to walk around, play mini games, watch trailers and chit chat here and there. I can absolutely not understand why people hate Home so much, it is just a very fun free service.

 

[StealthGoblin]

It's nice that the service is profitable for them, but it feels like such a missed opportunity that Home hasn't been further integrated into PSN in any way, be it trophy support or using your Home avatar as you PSN avatar as mentioned above.

I'm sorry for my quarterly Home rant, it's just sad for me to see them squandering such great potential like this. Home presents lots of opportunities for developers and the platform holder to experiment with fun and engaging social interaction within PSN and even transmedia marketing, but instead it feels like they're pissing it away and letting rivals beat them to the punch. They've already proven there's a shitload of money to be made in this stuff.

Shame Phil Harrison left. He seemed to get it.

I think they need to share some figures with developers more. You have to sign an NDA to get sales figures, conversion rates etc. Some publishers and developers are making a LOT of money. If Sony actually told potential developers how much money they could make, a lot more people would be on board.

It looks like there are a lot more indie developers getting involved now, which is good.

It does need more integration and I think all Sony developers should have a Home presence (developing their presence themselves too), instead of outsourcing it.

 

[Majine]

This/these week/s in pictures.

Seems like the same place as last year...

...except for this christmas giftshop...

...in which the guy next to me probably have bought stuff from.

Never really payed much attention to Xi when it first launched, couldn't be arsed now either. Pretty dull space/s.

 

[TheSeks]

Xi's space is hilarious. It took them two years nearly to put a space they had before back up, really?

Welp, see you in 2014 when the Uncharted 2 space will be back!

 

[Majine]

Welp, see you in 2014 when the Uncharted 2 space will be back!

What, they took it out? Aw hell naw, it was pretty good.