Microsoft Corp. is developing a new videocamera for the Xbox 360 console that will allow players to control games with the movement of their bodies, people familiar with the matter said, an effort to attract the casual players who have fueled Nintendo Co.'s recent success.
The Microsoft device is a twist on Nintendo's blockbuster Wii game console, which allows users to swing a tennis racket or other equipment in games by holding a plastic wand in their hands.
Unlike the Wii, the Microsoft camera won't require users to hold any hardware to control on-screen action, the people familiar with the matter said. The camera would sit near the television and capture when players move their hands, legs or head.
A spokesman for the Redmond, Wash., company declined to comment.
Uh oh. Does this mean Nintendo is done for? :'(
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 14, 2009, 08:59:32 AM
Activator... Activate!!
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on May 14, 2009, 12:33:50 PM
So you can pretend to play X-Sports but it's impossible to play something like Resort Frisbee or disc golf? What a fascinatingly terrible product!
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 14, 2009, 01:29:10 PM
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: Deguello on May 14, 2009, 01:32:57 PM
I dunno about anybody else but this sounds pretty dumb, mainly because camera games have been done before and nobody seemed too impressed. And didn't Microsoft already release a 360 camera?
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: DAaaMan64 on May 14, 2009, 01:40:08 PM
Well before we drop an criticism lets see what the damn thing can do.
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 14, 2009, 01:43:04 PM
I dunno about anybody else but this sounds pretty dumb, mainly because camera games have been done before and nobody seemed too impressed. And didn't Microsoft already release a 360 camera?
That is probably exactly what it is. and I mean they bought that camera and replaced the "Z" with an "X".
Still a little complicated for the non-gamer as they would have to learn a basic form of sign language instead of just point and click. Good to see that we are getting closer & closer to life imitaiting art (e.g. Minority Report).
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: KDR_11k on May 14, 2009, 04:01:01 PM
The bigger hurdle will be getting games worth a damn for the thing. I can't see MS making more than 1-2 attempts at it which would mean it's a nice gimmick but not a system seller.
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 14, 2009, 04:01:19 PM
That is probably exactly what it is. and I mean they bought that camera and replaced the "Z" with an "X".
Still a little complicated for the non-gamer as they would have to learn a basic form of sign language instead of just point and click. Good to see that we are getting closer & closer to life imitaiting art (e.g. Minority Report).
The other trouble is that people are missing the point of Wii, the system is versatile, you don't have to do grand motions if you don't want to (well until Wii motion plus comes out). This looks like something that SCREAMS gimmick like the eyetoy because it requires a lot more from the user then the Wii does.
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 14, 2009, 04:17:10 PM
even with M+ I'm sure it will just more accurately track those sweeping wrist movements that get made from the relaxed and reclined position on the couch, can't say so much for that ZX-cam
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 14, 2009, 04:39:55 PM
even with M+ I'm sure it will just more accurately track those sweeping wrist movements that get made from the relaxed and reclined position on the couch, can't say so much for that ZX-cam
I guess that is true. Which makes this camera seem even more gimmicky. Yeah it may be fun, but will it be a Wii killer? I really doubt it. Weather people like to admit it or not the Wii's controls cross boundaries from more traditional games to the more casual games. All can make excellent use of the controls without being overbearing.
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on May 14, 2009, 04:42:28 PM
Exactly.
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: Peachylala on May 14, 2009, 05:24:21 PM
Nintendo will undoubtly make that happen. 3rd parties? Not so likely.
Motion Cash-In, I'm waiting for you!
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: Chozo Ghost on May 15, 2009, 07:05:54 AM
This peripheral will look great sitting next to the HD-DVD addon.
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: KDR_11k on May 15, 2009, 11:09:57 AM
Malstrom argues MS is trying to go for the EyeToy market, not the Wii market.
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: EasyCure on May 15, 2009, 11:59:16 AM
Malstrom argues MS is trying to go for the EyeToy market, not the Wii market.
There's an EyeToy market?
I thought they changed it to "Eye of Judgment."
That just sounds like it'd be even harder to sell to casuals! You can turn that peripheral into something hardcore sounding and have all the casualz believe their literally being judged when they flail around in front of their HD cameras!
Title: Re: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam
Post by: Dasmos on May 15, 2009, 01:04:51 PM
