Sony Computer Entertainment America's director of third-party developer relations, Michael Shorrock, outlined six important bases his company intends to cover with the PlayStation Network in the coming months during a panel discussion at the Online Game Developers Conference. Of the six "spokes" of a "Wheel of Services" being prepared by SCEA, PlayStation 3 owners will already be familiar with half: the push for wireless integration for gaming on the PSP and mobile devices, the PlayStation Store where PSone and PS2 games can be downloaded for the PS3 and PSP, and the planned "Home" online community.

Upcoming services will include video-on-demand for direct downloads of movies, television program, and music. Finally, SCEA intends to leverage a platform for dynamic advertising which companies can take advantage of both in-game and in the PSN itself.

Shorrock echoes Sony Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison's sentiments in encouraging user-created content for the PSN and Home, and highlighted the opportunity for online developers to "self-publish and explore a variety of business models." For example, developers and publishers may use "Home" as "pavilions" for showcasing themselves and their titles online.

(edit: corrected misinterpretations}

"We're exceedingly excited about Home," Shorrock stated. "It’s a 3D realization of the PlayStation Network on the SP3. That’s what really sets this apart from the other products that are on the market: the ability to customize your avatar, walk around, communicate with people is – we believe – a very compelling and we’re excited to offer it in the marketplace." He revealed that Home could also be launched from within PS3 games themselves.

"What we’re creating is a very flexible model for developers and publishers," Shorrock responded. "We’re open to proposals, how you might like to proceed." Some publishers, he said, might want their pavilions to be free. "Some people might want to charge. Our business model is flexible enough to allow for either way."

Developers can create any sort of pavilion they wish. Shorrock used the example of a casino, with mini-games, admitting he didn’t know how developers would choose to monetize it. But building outposts in Home will also lead to new gameplay, he believes. "That’s the innovation that we’d like to see, and it’s going to come from the creativity of the developers in this room. I can’t predict where it’s going to go."

Wolfwood via gamasutra.com »