The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) kicked off in Los Angeles today with Microsoft’s opening keynote announcing several new technologies designed for its Xbox 360 game console. The most anticipated part of the keynote, of course, was the announcement of an eagerly anticipated new controller from Microsoft.
As previously expected, Microsoft today confirmed the launch of "Project Natal," a new motion-sensing control system aimed to take the controller out of your hands. Gamers will now be able to shoot terrorists and other bad guys by pulling an imaginary trigger, or throw a football by using a real arm motion.
Microsoft said it developed the new technology using a camera, several microphones, depth sensor, and custom software able to help stitch together a unique three-dimensional map of each gamer’s movement. The company also says the sensor is able to tell when a gamer’s tone of voice changes, which will alter the speed in which the controller reacts to movements.
Although the Nintendo Wii’s Wiimote controller has been extremely popular, it’ll be interesting to see how Microsoft does with a controller that doesn’t need to be physically held. If it’s accurate and effective, expect this device to possibly fly off store shelves after release.
There has been a growing trend in interactive entertainment, as game makers hope to keep gamers interested by offering a new game play method.
Microsoft didn’t announce a public launch date for Project Natal, though several unconfirmed reports say it’ll be ready for Christmas. If it’s ready for release in time for the holiday shopping season, will you purchase one for your Xbox 360?
13 Comments
It could be cool for a coulple of games but I highly doubt there will be any significant "natal" platfom-selling titles which is what it will need to succeed.
Translation: if there aren' several kick ass titles that take direct advantage of it, then kiss it goodbye. And that's a double edged sword ! Making games that require an add-on controller is a recipe for failure too.
Guitar hero controllers are designed for the games, like steeting wheels and flight sticks. This is a generic device that will need alot of good game support to succeed. And yes it is a risk for the companies that make the games specific to the device because they are limiting their customer base to "natal" owners.
however the ps3 is using a motion controller using its eyetoy as well as a motion controller so you could say thats a bit of a ripoff from the wii! only difference is that its incorporated the eyetoy.
bout time really, coz the ps3 eyetoy was a waste of money before this was revealed!
I'm getting it at Christmas! Yay YAY YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh and the comment which said the gadget was fluff, YOU'RE A LITTLE PETHETIC PS3 FAN BOY... AREN'T YOU. Ok, I actually think this is going to be exellent! Better than the PS3 alternative, and actally, this is probally Microsoft's first idea of their own, and, Sony is going to try and copy them, probally. Eyetoy MK3? It doesn't fit and it's a waste of money. Go Xbox!!!!
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