The Sony PlayStation Home Lets Players Interact With Avatars
Alex Covert — December 17, 2008 — Tech
References: us.playstation & gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes
Sony has released their version of a virtual environment called the PlayStation Home. To enter this world, users must own a PS3 (currently costing $399 USD). It doesn't sound any different than a lot of other online 'games' in that users create their own avatars, interact with other players, and walk around. The graphics look cool.
Implications - Not everyone is sociable, but the rise of the Internet has also spawned many forums for identity-hidden interaction. The gaming industry has taken it one step further by creating virtual worlds with avatars that bring social life straight to the screen. As social media websites such as Facebook receive widespread acceptance, people will become even more dependent on the online world as the basis of communication.
Implications - Not everyone is sociable, but the rise of the Internet has also spawned many forums for identity-hidden interaction. The gaming industry has taken it one step further by creating virtual worlds with avatars that bring social life straight to the screen. As social media websites such as Facebook receive widespread acceptance, people will become even more dependent on the online world as the basis of communication.
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Worlds - The rise of virtual worlds with avatars brings social life straight to the screen, creating new opportunities for immersive online experiences.
2. Identity-hidden Interaction - The prevalence of forums and virtual environments where users can hide their identities opens up possibilities for anonymous online communication and expression.
3. Dependence on Online Communication - The acceptance of social media platforms like Facebook leads to increased reliance on the internet as the primary means of communication, paving the way for innovative online communication solutions.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming - The gaming industry can leverage the popularity of virtual worlds to create more immersive and engaging experiences, attracting a larger audience.
2. Online Communities - Platforms that encourage identity-hidden interaction can capitalize on the demand for anonymous online communication, fostering a sense of community among users.
3. Communication Technology - Companies that develop innovative online communication tools have the potential to disrupt the traditional modes of communication and cater to the growing dependence on online platforms.
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