Sony builds 'Home' for Net denizens

March 08, 2007 The initiative, dubbed "Home," will allow gamers to create virtual avatars and congregate in 3-D homes and halls to socialize via text, audio or video chat; watch movie trailers or feature films; and play casual games. While access and certain services in this world will be free, there will be multiple revenue opportunities for Sony, game publishers and corporate America within "Home," including micro-transactions for custom real-world items like virtual clothing for avatars; the potential to buy and watch streaming music and video content; the sales of casual games; and the ability to create more elaborate homes stocked with virtual, branded goods. There also will be opportunities for product placement within this virtual "Home" for everyone from Hollywood studios to car companies.

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