In this AP clip, top video game designers weigh in on the future of the joystick. New technoloogies on the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 make the traditional video game joystick unnecessary. The Wii's unique remote led the way and these new technologies take it a step farther. Project Natal for Xbox 360 will allow the player to be the controller. The PlayStation 3 will contain a motion-sensing wand. Some developers think that even though new technologies will allow for some great new video games, the joystick will still remain a popular way to control video games. One developer said the camera based gaming systems give the game a way to react to what the player is doing. For example, the game could send in a zombie swarm to wake up a player that looks like he is bored or nodding off. Take a look:
Microsoft's Project Natal Xbox 360 Add-on Could Cost $50 to $80
MCV is reporting that Microsoft's new Project Natal add-on for the Xbox 360 could priced in the $50 to $80 with a release around November, 2010. The camera add-on will allow for games where a person's body acts as the game controller. It is a direct challenge to the Wii. MCV says Microsoft plans to manufacture 5 million units.
Microsoft is planning to manufacture 5m units for day one release, with a mix of console and camera plus solus SKUs expected.
The device should cost under £50 when sold solo. One publishing source says Microsoft is "trying to get as close as possible to 'impulse buy'". Another even says the camera could even retail for just £30.
Project Natal could mark a new turning point in video games as they move away from using a controller. If you are not familiar with the Project Natal you can see a couple explanatory videos here.
Microsoft's Project Natal Console Coming Late Next Year
Microsoft's upcoming gaming console dubbed Project Natal - where you are the controller - will be out late next year reports Gameindustry.biz.
In response to a question about hardware price cuts and market changes in the upcoming cycle, Farrell replied: "With respect to the cycle itself, if you look at what's happening in the industry, the fact that we have for example, Natal from Microsoft, a platform addition coming late next year."
Microsoft hasn't officially dated Natal's launch, although last month the company's boss, Steve Ballmer, stated a new Xbox 360 would be on shop shelves next year, which Microsoft subsequently clarified was meant to mean Project Natal.
In response to the same investor question, Farrell also speculated the other platform holders could join Microsoft in releasing new peripherals and devices "to keep the current hardware fresh for at least the next three to five years".
He revealed too the company had been expecting hardware price cuts this fall, saying they were factored into its future earnings forecasts.
The groundbreaking console looks like great fun as you can see in the two promo videos. Jimmy Fallon also tried out Project Natal on Late Night.
Project Natal: Microsoft's Powerful Controller Free Game Console
Microsoft has introduced its new controller free vide game console at E3 on Monday called Project Natal. The game console can not only sense what players are doing to make a tennis racket swing in a game or move a virtual skateboard but it also contains facial recognition and voice recognition software. Steve Spielberg is excited about the promise of Project Natal. Spielberg says, "This is a pivotal moment that will carry with it a wave of change, the ripples of which will reach far beyond video games."
The Telegraphsays the powerful system has the potential to be a game changer in the gaming world.
During the keynote presentation yesterday, the audience was left open-mouthed by some of Natal's capabilities. It's ability to capture and track movement appeared effortless. In one demonstration, a drawing was "passed" through the television screen in to the game itself, and replicated precisely.
Far and away one of the most impressive - and curiously unsettling -demonstrations came from British games maker Peter Molyneux, who showed off Milo, a sort of 21st century Pinocchio, Milo, you see, is a little boy who, to all intents and purposes, lives inside your computer. You talk to him as you would a normal person, and he interacts with you in return, picking up everything from your movement to the emotion in your tone of voice. He will remember your face and greet you by name as you walk in to the room.
No launch date has been set yet for Natal. The full body motion sensing Natal video games could include action games, fitness games, racing games, communication tools and much more as you can see in the video demonstations below. As Microsoft says, "You are the controller." Take a look:
