In an interview with IndustryGamers, Peter Edwards, the head of HGG Development Group (the developers of PlayStation Home), said "It's always been our desire to broaden the appeal of [Home] and ultimately we'd hope it would be a big box shifter for the PS3, where people will actually buy the PS3 so they can get access to Home. I don't think we're there yet, but we think we'll be there before long."
Source: IndustryGamers [ more info ]

Now, I understand that it's kind of this guys job to hype Home, but saying that it will eventually help sell PS3's? Really? Wow. Just... wow.

For those of you not 100% sure what I'm talking about, Home is a virtual world for PlayStation users that let them interact by way of custom created avatars designed to provide a "neutral environment to get to know someone before you make that commitment to add them to your friends list" or so says SCEA's Director of PlayStation Home, Jack Buser. In MMO speak, it's the PlayStation's version of Second Life.

Back on point, the idea that Edwards believes Home will be a "big" PS3 seller just slays me. Yes the PS3 is still looking for that elusive killer app. But I just can't see Home as being "it". It's a complex chat UI with a few mini games tossed in for spice. And where that does have a certain appeal, it's just not a strong enough purpose to move a $400 machine.

Sony if you're listening...
If you really want to move PS3's I've got the perfect Killer App for you. It's called "Price Cut", a clever little application that convinces gamers your hardware isn't overpriced.

Now, before you get grumpy with me and start extolling the virtues of Home, the PS3, and explaining why the system is worth the money please keep in mind... the only reason I don't already own a PS3 is because of cost. I'm not some weird anti-PS3 slapass trolling the internet because I crave the attention my parents never gave me. I'm just trying to get systems in houses the only way I know how... through gamers' wallets. And I just don't think Home is going to do the trick.

Please Note: the comic artwork has been updated from the original after DaxD found a picture for me to base a caricature off of. Thanks DaxD. A video of me correcting the artwork can be found here: GU Live - 20090618. (92 minutes)

The last time I logged into Home was by accident because I was trying to get into the PS Store. I would rather them work on bringing the system cost down and providing more entertaining games to draw system appeal than sprucing up Home totry and push more systems.

Couldn't agree with you more Woody. I can't see myself paying $400 for a gaming console, let alone one that I don't really see any games for that appeal to me. Also, I'd have a hard time explaining to my wife what I just wasted a car payments worth on.

LOL, When I read this,
I read"
"Knee Capping funny".

I just didn't get it...
I had to go back and read it twice more lol.

I payed $400 for my 360 right after it first came out, and it was the best console purchase I've made so far. I think it's the best all around console that's been released to date.

The only reason I haven't bought a PS3 is because of the price as well. I *can't wait* to play MGS4, but I can't justify the cost at this point.

I'm going to laugh if peter is actually a fat, bald black guy... Anyway, much the same, there are some games on PS3 I really want but not at the price they are trying to get me to pay. Low price is part of why Nintendo is so popular, it's consoles are always cheep.

I believe I found a picture of the man. [image]

I love the challenge of the internet search.


[ Link corrected as per the forum rules. ]

As an avid Joystiq reader, I would have thought Home would be full of nothing but "Quincies" at this point.


[ Link removed as per the forum rules. ]

You can get a 360 for cheaper than a Wii these days.

It's too bad you can't afford it Woody, my wife and I love ours. The games have been very enjoyable, and she's liked some of the PSN downloadable games (mostly the camera ones).

And I can't count the number of blu-rays we've rented and watched on it at this point, was a great purchase for us. It's working great with our current 1080p 46" and our slightly older surround sound system (it's like 4 or 5 years old, still sounds great though).

She really enjoyed the avatar creating part of Home, neither of us found the rest all that entertaining though, it's neat, but theres nothing really worth going in there for.