SCEI today announced that it will expand the Closed Beta testing for PlayStation Home in summer 2008 and invite more PS3 users to register. Once the Expanded Closed Beta test is completed, it will begin the PlayStation Home Open Beta service in fall 2008.

“We understand that we are asking PS3 and prospective PS3 users to wait a bit longer, but we have come to the conclusion that we need more time to refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience than what it is today,” said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

“Our overarching objective is to provide users with new gaming experiences that are available only on PlayStation Home. Spending more time on the development and on the Closed Beta testing reaffirms our commitment to bringing a quality service, maintaining the PlayStation tradition.”

PS3 users who are part of the PlayStation Home Open Beta service beginning this fall can expect “new and fun community gaming experiences, such as connecting PlayStation games with Home and providing places and items from the games.”

SCEI will release details of the Closed Beta testing features, how to register for the test and when the service will be opened once they become available.