TOKYO: Sony said it would finally launch its "Home" 3D social community for the PlayStation 3 worldwide on Thursday, enabling users to roam through a virtual universe filled with life-like characters.

The company hopes the service will boost interest in the PS3 in the face of fierce competition from Nintendo's Wii, which has proved a hit even with people who would not usually play video games.

The service is seen as a cross between social community website MySpace and Linden Lab's Second Life, which allows "residents" to build homes, create vehicles, nightclubs and stores, and to communicate with instant messaging.

Sony said the service would deliver "overwhelming visual graphics and rich gaming social experiences only possible on the PS3 platform."

Users will be able to communicate online through text or voice chat, and enjoy mini-games, videos and special events. The basic service will be free but users will have to pay for some content and extras.

"We are committed to providing PS3 users with exciting gaming experiences with PlayStation Home," said Kazuo Hirai, head of Sony's game unit.

Users will be able to dress up their life-like virtual characters, or avatars, in designer clothing, furnish their virtual apartments and access exclusive video content.

"Home" had originally been scheduled for launch in late 2007 but was delayed as Sony ironed out some problems with the service.

The Japanese icon, which announced Tuesday as many as 16,000 job cuts to cope with the global financial crisis, has much riding on the PS3 but faces competition from Microsoft's XBox 360 and Nintendo's Wii.

- AFP/yt