Sony announces further delays to its PS3 virtual universe

Sony's PlayStation 3 games console on display at the 2007
CeBIT telecommunications fair in Hanover, Germany.

TOKYO (AFP) -- Sony's game unit said Tuesday it was delaying for the second time the launch of an online virtual universe for the PlayStation 3 because the service needs further development.

"Home" had originally been scheduled for launch in late 2007 but was delayed until early 2008. Now Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. plans to open up an early version of the virtual universe in the second half of 2008.

"We understand that we are asking PS3 and prospective PS3 users to wait a bit longer, but we have come to the conclusion that we need more time to refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience than what it is today," said the head of Sony's game unit, Kazuo Hirai. full story