The buzz surrounding PlayStation 3’s online Home service appears to be back – after the firm’s head of worldwide studios Phil Harrison unveiled key components of the project this evening in Santa Monica.

Harrison introduced previously unannounced features including the ability for users to launch disc and PlayStation Network-based games from inside the virtual world – allowing them to set options together and play multiplayer within Home.

A new ‘Home Square’ area was also shown off for the first time, which will replace the lobby area first seen at the Game Developers Conference in March, as well as new customisable ‘personal spaces’ – four new apartments including a beach house, Norwegian cabin, Manhattan penthouse and a traditional Japanese House.

“After more than three years in development, we’re preparing for a landmark global roll out of PlayStation Home in the fall,” said Harrison. “As an integrated service of the PlayStation Network, PlayStation Home will enable people to build connected communities around all of the entertainment experiences that PS3 has to offer.”