PlayStation Home Launching Tomorrow

We knew Sony’s much delayed virtual community for owners of its PlayStation 3, called PlayStation Home, was coming, but now, we know an official date: tomorrow. This 3D virtual on-line community gives PS3 users a place to chat (via voice or text) and play games with other PlayStation Home users. You’ll also get your own personalized avatar. With your avatar, you’ll be able to wander around virtual lawns, bowling alleys, arcades, and homes in the PS3, though the main activity will be playing games and becoming friends with other PS3 fans.

According to Junji "JB" Shoda, a Sony Computer Entertainment Japan vice president, who oversees Home, the service isn’t meant to compete with virtual worlds like Linden Lab's "Second Life." Shoda also noted that Sony had the idea for Home before such virtual worlds became popular.

Positioned as an open beta, Home will be available to download and use for free. The basic features are free, anyway; services like creating a club will require some dough. The service will be offered in eight languages and will be updated with new games, licensing partners, and events such as a New Year's countdown ceremony.

Home has been delayed twice from its originally promised date of 2007. According to Shoda, the delays were needed to gather feedback and understand what gamers wanted. Sony was also checking on security and other anti-crime features.

So long as Sony’s old rootkit problems don’t resurface, this looks to be an exciting new offering. All kidding aside, check out Red Bull's PlayStation Home Air Race game below: