Almost as quickly as it disappeared, it's back.  Just three days ago, we reported that Sony would be temporarily removing voice chat functionality from its PS3-based social networking application, PlayStation Home.  Today, update 1.5 hits the network, and with it comes the return of voice chat, albeit with some limitations. Whereas before, anyone could run around anywhere screaming pretty much anything, voice chat will now be limited to private areas, such as your house or your guild’s clubhouse.

I totally understand the need to do this.  A virtual world where users are subjected to constant vulgarity and sexual harassment is no kind of virtual world at all, and allowing total vocal freedom in private areas only seems like a perfectly rational and sensible way to deal with the issue.  I just wish they’d have told us that three days ago, instead of making everybody wonder “What’s wrong with Home this time?”  The application has experienced way more than its share of setbacks and missteps in its nearly four years of development, and a little better communication from Sony might go a long way towards inspiring faith in the product.  Anyway, good to see we’ll all have the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful experience out in the virtual world while we escape from our profanity-filled, sexually harassing real lives.  Plus, Sony gets to give you voice chat capabilities while still making it almost necessary to buy the upcoming PS3 Wireless Keypad!  Crafty.

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