Sony today delayed its “Home” online service for PlayStation 3, the second such delay the console has endured since its originally scheduled release last year.
Sony didn’t provide a new anticipated release date, but it did indicate that Home should release for PS3 this fall.
Home is a real-time virtual world that mixes elements of the Xbox Live Marketplace and the game Second Life, letting players peruse their in-game rewards, socialize with other gamers and see/buy all manner of electronic content.
Sony still plans to launch an updated but limited beta test of Home this summer. The open beta will not be officially complete, and it will continue to add new features and bug-fixes as time goes on.
When it’s released to mainstream PS3 owners, the basic application for Home will be free. Walking around the digital world, interacting with other PS3 gamers and viewing trophies will be free as well. Other content and activities will likely incur an additional charge.