Topic: Microsoft Swings at Wii With Videocam

[Chozo Ghost]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124215416209111679.html

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? 

[BlackNMild2k1]

Activator... Activate!!

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

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!

[BlackNMild2k1]

got damnit Activator.... Activate!!!

beep beep... activating

Alright, now lets play.... XFit: Pilates

[Deguello]

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?

[DAaaMan64]

Well before we drop an criticism lets see what the damn thing can do.

[BlackNMild2k1]

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?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=28130.msg510882#msg510882

Well before we drop an criticism lets see what the damn thing can do.

But we must make our jokes now before someone beats us to them later

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Exactly.

[AV]

is it the same as this ?

http://media.gear.ign.com/articles/855/855511/vids_1.html

[GoldenPhoenix]

Uh oh. Does this mean Nintendo is done for?

Yep, just like they were done in by PS3's so scary 5000 unit advantage for a couple of weeks.

[BlackNMild2k1]

is it the same as this ?

http://media.gear.ign.com/articles/855/855511/vids_1.html

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).

[KDR_11k]

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.

[GoldenPhoenix]

is it the same as this ?

http://media.gear.ign.com/articles/855/855511/vids_1.html

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.

[BlackNMild2k1]

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

[GoldenPhoenix]

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.

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Exactly.

[Peachylala]

Nintendo will undoubtly make that happen. 3rd parties? Not so likely.

Motion Cash-In, I'm waiting for you!

[Chozo Ghost]

This peripheral will look great sitting next to the HD-DVD addon.

[KDR_11k]

Malstrom argues MS is trying to go for the EyeToy market, not the Wii market.

[EasyCure]

Malstrom argues MS is trying to go for the EyeToy market, not the Wii market.

There's an EyeToy market?

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

It's the western corner of Sweden.

[nickmitch]

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."

[EasyCure]

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!

[Dasmos]

this is the real revolution