6/8/2008 - The Phil Collins Concert

If you're a Playstation 3 owner like me, you've been anticipating the release of Playstation Home. Actually, I've been anticipating it less than when it was first announced, mostly because of its repeated delays. For those of you not in the know, Playstation Home is supposed to be Sony's way of capitalizing on the Second Life phenomenon, a PC "game" that allows you to create your own avatar and live a virtual existence in a digital environment. Playstation Home is similar but will also serve as a launch pad for online gaming. Instead of a regular text-based lobby like in X-Box Live, you'll get to "interact" with other gamers in a 3-D landscape.

At first, the gaming community was excited because it was basically a way to get that Second Life experience for free, with some added diversions of communal mini-games like bowling and pool. The excitement has fallen off considerably because there doesn't seem to be a reason why something that sounds so simple on paper would take such a long time to implement. We don't even know if there will be a release this year! Secondly, there is a question of whether or not it will all be worth it. Mini-games are nice, but most of us will be playing the real games anyway. And the thought of having to pay a premium to furnish your environment doesn't sit well with me.

It's hard to think of something that would make the wait for Playstation Home worth it, but after I watched this video of a concert in a Grand Theft Auto game, I think there might be an answer.



If we are going to play for clothing and furniture, why not go all the way and have virtual concerts like this with real celebrities and high production values? Sure it's not like the real thing, but it's better than paying hundreds of dollars for what amounts to the same music. And you will still be experiencing with others all at the same time. C'mon Sony... virtual concerts can be the next big thing if you can make it happen!