General Information: Gaming - PS3 and 'Home'

1. What is a 'MySpace phenomenon'? MySpace is an example of a new online phenomenon, which is more appropriately called "online social networking." In online social networking environments, users register and establish a profile that provides personal information and photos. Then the user makes connections or links with other users who share interests or connections. Users engage in a variety of forms of communication and information sharing, which can include personal Web pages, blogs, and discussion groups. MySpace is currently the most popular of several dozen online social networking communities.
2. What is an MMO style chat room? MMO stands for 'Massively Multiplayer Online.' Home is like an MMO-style chat room because there are avatars running around, speech bubbles popping up and emotes being liberally flung every which way.
3. What is Sony's Game 3.0 philosophy? Sony's Game 3.0 philosophy is all about social interactions, community, customization, emergent entertainment, with the audience members at the center of the entertainment experience. Games 1.0 = disconnected consoles. 2.0 games are connected, but with static content on the disc.
4. What is an emote? An emote is a symbol or phrase, used in chat or in online games, such as the common *glee* or /slap, that represents an action or emotion. In some MMORPG's, emotes correspond to scripted animations of the character.
5. What are the key advantages/functionality for the users? The key advantages are that your own character in Playstation Home can be customised at any time and can interact with fellow users to display emotions in theatrical manners.
6. What social issues does this raise? It could lead to people having less 'real' social lives, which means that they don't meet many people face to face on a one-to-one basis because this interactive world is so realistic that it offers everything real life does and more. People may seem to have more friends, but never actually meet them and not actually know who they are - they could be anyone!!!
7. What is the potential for Sony and other games developers? It offers a huge potential for in-game advertising, including video bill boards with high definition game trailers. This is an excellent advertising outlet.