Officials from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) have announced that they have opened applications for a closed, Japan-only beta test of the Playstation Home virtual world. The test is for 10,000 users, and applications are to be accepted through August 11th, with the test beginning later that month.

Home’s ambitious online community service was previously delayed from its originally intended late 2007 launch to spring 2008. At the time the earlier delay was explained by a desire to incorporate more user feedback and the difficulties of preparing a near simultaneous worldwide launch. The final release date has yet to be announced.

Similar beta tests are to also be offered in the U.S. and Europe in the following months, Sony officials told the Associated Press.

Speaking previously on the delays for the release for the service, Kaz Hirai, president and group CEO at SCEI, said, “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."