GDC: Sony announces Home 1.5

At the Game Developers Conference today, Sony announced the development of PlayStation Home 1.5, set for release this spring. The update is...

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At the Game Developers Conference today, Sony announced the development of PlayStation Home 1.5, set for release this spring. The update is developer-focused, introducing a new set of tools for development inside the Home interface. The tools will allow for real-time multiplayer games, and improvements to the physics engine and animations.

The press release teases better network infrastructure for multi-player games, using examples like racing games or first-person shooters. The improved physics engine gives a greater degree of control over factors like collision, mass, and velocity. Developers will also be able to use multiple animations on a model and blend between animations more effectively. Finally, the tools promise better rendering control, which will improve frame rates.

Coupled with the reveal was the announcement of Sodium Two, the sequel to the Home game Sodium One, and a showpiece of the new Home tools. It will launch this spring alongside the 1.5 update. Check out the Sodium Two trailer above for a look at what can be done with the new suite.

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  • reply
    March 1, 2011 1:15 PM

    Comment on GDC: Sony announces Home 1.5, by Steve Watts.

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      March 1, 2011 1:19 PM

      [deleted]

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      March 1, 2011 1:27 PM

      Home is now integrated into the One Piece Universe. Instead of an apartment, you own a boat and set sail to find the legendary Platinum One Piece. On your travels you meet odd people from stalkers, pedophiles, and metro-sexuals.

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      March 1, 2011 1:27 PM

      Summary: Home 1.5 is coming this spring, giving developers more tools to make games inside the Home interface.

      "The press release teases better network infrastructure for multi-player games, using examples like racing games or first-person shooters. The improved physics engine gives a greater degree of control over factors like collision, mass, and velocity. Developers will also be able to use multiple animations on a model and blend between animations more effectively. Finally, the tools promise better rendering control, which will improve frame rates."

      And apologies for the broken video. We've replaced it with the correct version.

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      March 1, 2011 1:35 PM

      Sodium looks a lot like a Wipeout ripoff. :(

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        March 1, 2011 3:50 PM

        I'm going to have to say it looks good however, a step up from what sodium currently offers.

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        March 1, 2011 4:12 PM

        Wipeout looks a lot like a F-Zero ripoff. :(

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        March 1, 2011 8:55 PM

        I had never heard of it, only used Home... once. Going to check it out, even though I've been ignoring Wipeout HD Fury :(

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        March 1, 2011 9:00 PM

        [deleted]

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        March 2, 2011 10:13 AM

        Sodium looks nothing like Wipeout. Part two does on the other hand.

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      March 1, 2011 3:21 PM

      Keep polishing that turd Sony.

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      March 1, 2011 3:24 PM

      Does anyone actually use Home? Is there anything fun about it?

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        March 1, 2011 3:27 PM

        i loaded it once and then closed it

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        March 1, 2011 3:30 PM

        tons of people use home, its always packed and its easily a good distraction when your bored or want to chat with other players. home even has clubs and extremely large groups like the Homelings who are constantly involved with home. home always has new activities and things to do which change up regularly. in my opinion home is a great addition to the ps3.

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        March 1, 2011 3:38 PM

        I used it once. I didn't see anything fun about it.

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        March 1, 2011 3:43 PM

        A couple time, but it's too slow and clunky to be useful.

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          March 1, 2011 3:47 PM

          I found this to largely be a problem as well. I get kicked out of home way too many times due to server or network issues, as of late I've used the service not as much because of it.

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          March 2, 2011 12:41 PM

          Yes this why my impression too. Also, I guess I am just not into 2nd life type apps. :\

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        March 2, 2011 12:42 PM

        Home would be cool if it wasn't child-proofed to the point of idiocy

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      March 1, 2011 3:35 PM

      Shacknews is my favorite shacker.

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      March 1, 2011 3:43 PM

      Garnett mentioned on a Weekend Confirmed episode that Home was Sony's secret cash cow. I had no idea anyone used it outside of trolling people.

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        March 1, 2011 3:49 PM

        Home is quite profitable, there is a pretty large micro store with avatar clothing, items and apartments for you to purchase to personalize your experience.

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          March 2, 2011 10:01 AM

          it would be interesting to know how the microtransaction profits compare with XBL Avatar goods once you've factored in the cost to develop Home vs Avatars

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          March 2, 2011 12:50 PM

          No. For real, do you work for SONY?

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      March 1, 2011 8:50 PM

      People actually use Home?

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        March 2, 2011 4:25 PM

        It's a chat room with a bunch of different environments. I really don't get all the hate people have for it.

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      March 2, 2011 9:51 AM

      PS Home is such a waste of time. People, got out and make real friends.

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