Earlier this year in March, Sony’s trademark for PlayStation Home was set to expire, so it was renewed. PlayStation Home was a feature for the PlayStation 3, a chatting and social service similar to VR Chat that ran from 2008 to 2015. This is all completely normal for large companies like Sony who would like to hold on to their trademarks, except that they renewed the trademark again on July 21, 2021. Now, this trademark is in place until 2028, allowing Sony to do whatever it wants with the name and the feature. Sony has made no official announcements, and this trademark renewal was discovered by a fan, not by any release from the company.

#PlayStation Home trademark updated for the second time in a few months and it looks like something’s up https://t.co/kiRgGigvAX pic.twitter.com/UZ1sLsb8ZW

— PlayStation LifeStyle (@PSLifeStyle) July 25, 2021

This news is classified as a rumor on the Reddit thread where the information is revealed, but Reddit user Thorites includes proof in the post at the time of release. PlayStation Home has several features that could be expanded on and used today, such as virtual interactions, spaces for microtransactions (and therefore profit), and potential areas for hosting online events. PlayStation VR, with customizable avatars and home spaces, could very easily make its way into the PS5 repertoire.

Sony renews PlayStation Home trademark again: Sony has once again renewed the trademark for its PS3-era social space, PlayStation Home. The filing – which was reportedly submitted on 21st July 2021, according to a Redditor who’s… https://t.co/Mog9a8P0Ju #News #PlayStation3 pic.twitter.com/jAGWv8Q3OM

— @zimisss (@zimisss) July 25, 2021

Sony could use this opportunity to refresh the social aspect of owning a PlayStation. Or, they could not. It is unclear at this point exactly what the plan is if there even is one. The most fans can do is wait for any official news to come from Sony and their official channels regarding the future of PlayStation Home.