Notes from EE: Interview with the Director of Sony’s PS Home

Last week, I attended the Engage Expo (EE) in New York City. The Director of Home, Jack Buser, had a fireside chat with Joey Seiler, editor of VirtualWorldsNews. Jack Buser discussed three reasons why Home makes the PS3 the console to buy. He was really excited to talk about Home. Perhaps..too excited…

A Social Network for Gamers

Jack Buser: “Sony saw a need to bring the gaming community together with a social network. Usually a friend’s list is made up of people you know in the real world. Home was created to help gamers meet new people to game with.”

It would be nice if Home could bring all gamers together someday. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people in Home are male and often times disrespectful. So, many female gamers have had difficulty joining the community.

Better Use of Avatars?

Jack Buser: “Avatars on the other game platforms. You create the avatar but you don’t do anything with it. If you think about it as a way to express yourself. You understand that the avarat without a space is almost pointless.”

I’m not sure I get this point. I can use my Nintendo Mii in Wii Tennis or Bowling. He might have a point with the Xbox Live avatars.

“Home” Plans for 2009

Jack mentioned an addition of new content in 2009. PS Home will be loaded up with new games, contests and events. Everytime you log in there will be something new to do.

Adding more content is great for the current members of Home. To acquire new community members, Sony might want to focus more on moderating the community so that a wide variety of people feel more comfortable in Home.

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