E-Mail: Expanded Closed Home Beta Kicked Off On August 14

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Over the past few days, we've been hearing more and more about an expanded beta test for PlayStation Home. However, details have been extraordinarily hazy: we weren't sure if the e-mail invites for a new phase had already gone out, we didn't know if they were only for European PS3 owners, and we weren't sure what would be different about this "expanded beta test." But thanks to one reader, we have a few more answers.

One American tester received an official e-mail from SCEA, telling him the current phase ended on August 14 and now, one must download the new version of Home to continue the testing. It's not surprising to learn that those already in the closed beta would be allowed into the new version, but it's certainly good to know this "expanded" test applies to the U.S. as well. Here's some of the text from that e-mail:

Dear PLAYSTATIONHome Beta Tester,

We are now moving into the next phase of PLAYSTATIONHome's evolution. As a current tester, we'd like you to continue participating in PLAYSTATIONHome.

Your existing PLAYSTATIONHome Beta will no longer work as of approximately August 14th, 2008. You will need to delete the old version of PLAYSTATIONHome in order to install the new Expanded Closed Beta Client. You can delete PLAYSTATIONHome by selecting it and pressing TRIANGLE and then choosing Delete. Please remember to delete your saved data for it too. You will find it under [Saved Data Utility] in the [Game] section of the XMB (XrossMediaBar).

When will the open beta arrive? Sony still says to expect it later this fall, but for now, they're most certainly moving forward with the closed beta testing. We have yet to see evidence of new beta testers allowed into this closed phase, though, so you shouldn't get your hopes up about getting in if you haven't already been part of the process.

8/17/2008 Ben Dutka

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