E3 2009: Microsoft's Xbox 360 briefing analysis

[mambrose1986]

Sounds cool!
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By Tom Hoggins, Video Games Correspondent in Los Angeles
Published: 2:04PM BST 02 Jun 2009

Players will no longer need a control pad or joystick to control on-screen video game action, after Microsoft launched “Project Natal”, a motion-sensing control system for its Xbox 360 video games console.

The announcement was made as Microsoft unveiled new technology and a formidable video game line-up for the Xbox 360. The device will do away with the need for a traditional control pad or joystick in favour of a high-tech camera that can pick up movement.

The sensor enables gamers to score goals by kicking at a virtual football and fire at enemies by pulling an imaginary trigger.

It uses a camera, depth sensor, microphones and special software to build a three-dimensional map of body movement. It can also respond to voice commands, directions, and a change in the player’s tone of voice.

Microsoft said that unlike some similar systems, which work by recognising specific commands, the Xbox 360 system can understand normal patterns of speech. Cameras and the development kit have been sent to third-party developers but no launch date for technology has yet been set.

“The next step in interactive entertainment is to make the controller disappear,” said Steven Speilberg, the Hollywood film director, who unveiled the new technology at E3, the annual electronic entertainment expo in Los Angeles.

“With this device, we’ll see games that bring everyone together through technology that actually recognises us.”

The new system is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to win over so-called “casual” gamers, who have, until now, favoured the Nintendo Wii console, which uses motion sensing controllers.

Video game fans will also be able to update their Facebook status directly from their Xbox 360 console, and listen to streamed music on the device via Last.fm, a song recommendation service that enables users to build their own personalised radio stations of their favourite music.

“We are always asking ourselves how to make the TV more social,” said John Schappert, a senior vice-president at Microsoft. “By bringing Facebook, Last.fm and Twitter to the Xbox 360, we’re not oly extending the walls of your living room beyond your home to your friends in different corners of the world.

“We’re creating the definitive social network.”

The announcements came on the first day of E3, the annual video game show at which publishers and console makers show off their product line-up for the coming year.

Sony and Nintendo hold their press conferences the following day, where Sony is widely expected to launch their own motion-sensing control system for the PlayStation 3, as well as a new PSP handheld games console.