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Forums - Nintendo Discussion - Bill Gates Looking Seriously into Wii Controls - Results maybe seen at E3

  Is Microsoft's "NEW" Imitation Flattery for Nintendo or Rip-OFF

Gates hints at plans for new videogame control system

Ellie Gibson 09:34 (BST) 05/06/2007

Talks video recognition technology as possible evolution of control

Bill Gates has revealed that his vision for the future of gaming involves a new control system where players swing a bat or racket as they would in real life - but said it won't be the same as the Wii.

As reported by AllThingsDigital, Gates' comments came during a panel interview which he took part in with Apple boss Steve Jobs.

Turning to the subject of how the home PC's role is evolving, Gates said, "As we get natural input, that will cause a change... Software is doing vision and so, you know, imagine a game machine where you just can pick up the bat and swing it or the tennis racket and swing it."

The interviewers suggested Nintendo has already created such a machine in the form of the Wii - but Gates replied, "No, that’s not it. You can’t pick up your tennis racket…And swing it. You can’t sit there with your friends and do those natural things.

"That’s a 3D positional device," Gates continued. "This is video recognition. This is a camera seeing what’s going on."

Gates has previously been critical of Nintendo's strategy with Wii. Back in January he was quoted as saying, "Look at the resolution you get with a controlled experience like that. Say to yourself, how in terms of using a game for a long period of time, what kind of accuracy and capability do you want?"

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=25524 

Gates wants to outdo Wii

Microsoft chairman hints at motion control future for Microsoft's gaming sector, following teasing comments from other MS execs

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has offered further hints at the direction Microsoft's gaming division is taking, and if his comments at last week's All Things D conference are anything to go by, Gates wants to outdo Nintendo's Wii.

"Software is doing vision and so, you know, imagine a game machine where you're just going to pick up the bat and swing it or the tennis racket and swing it", he said.

A bit like Wii then, Bill? "No, that's not it. You can't pick up your tennis racket. And swing it." Oh, right.

Earlier this year Xbox boss Peter Moore hinted that Wii-like motion controls might be in the Xbox's future. "We have plans. This does not come as a surprise", he said.

Frankly, we're quite happy with our bog-standard 360 controllers as they are, but with these increasingly common comments considered, E3 could just be the place where we see Microsoft shake things up.

 http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=165207

 

To all of you Nintendo Fans I apologize for what my estranged Father is planning on doing. What are your thoughts? Do you think this will Kill the Wii? Do you think that it is fair or that it is just good business sense on Microsoft's part? Do you think Nintendo needs to beef up the Wii's Hardware to Survive.. etc?

 



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I don't think the Xbox could handle it.

For one, you're going to spring an attachment on people, this isn't going to be something out of the box that all Xboxes are going to have. So you're basically expecting someone who wants something with the simplicity of the Wii to pick up a more expensive console, an expensive add-on, and a smaller pool of games? Yeah, no thanks.

Now, if we're talking about next generation, perhaps if this is in the box then you might have a different story... However...

1) Nintendo will still have a generation's head start on working with motion technology, they'll have a headstart in making good motion control games for their next system. Sony might have some too, if they ever figure out what their Sixaxis is actually for.

2) Not all games are going to work well for motion control. We're already seeing some of that in the Wii. And while the Wiimote's stylus pointer system might work for games we haven't seen much good representation of just yet. (We're bound to see more sports and shooters.), I'm not sure how well a camera system would work.

3) People already cry about 'being tired' using the Wiimote. (Here's a hint, move your fat ass every once in awhile.), having to move your entire body to play games, while a cool concept for some games, would a lot of people want to play a soccer game where they had to run in place and kick at the air for over an hour a game?



First off, his console isn't based on it so the idea that it will be widely accepted is doubtful. Something like the Wii Mote takes some acceptance on the part of the consumer. Secondly, Microsoft will have an even harder time being considered anything other than a copycat, hypocrite, and whatever else you wanna call him for this. Audiences that have already fallen in love with the Wii mote will probably engage in fierce brand loyalty and they will pick apart every flaw with the Microsoft controller just so they can hate it. (and please don't act like you wouldn't do it too if it was the right item anyone would).

So Microsoft really seems to be the console in the middle. What they are doing with this isn't a good idea. They have a grasp on an audience that doesn't like the controller on the Wii and they should run with it. They should work on an extremely reliable, easy to develop for, and powerful console for next gen with an awesome online service.



Just another reason for me to get an xbox 360, they already have a library



wont they have to implement some type of motion control anyway so they too can tap into this new market that nintendo has created/expanded upon if they want to contend in the future if/when the wii is in first place?



Wii ID: 3598-1817-7961-3393. PM me if you want an add

If it wasnt for MGS4, the PS3 is unnecessary

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I will enjoy watching the many legions of anti wii anti motion fanboys on boards all of a sudden "Like waggle" once MS implements their version. Hilarity will ensue.



Blex said:
wont they have to implement some type of motion control anyway so they too can tap into this new market that nintendo has created/expanded upon if they want to contend in the future if/when the wii is in first place?

 If they care to. In reality, they could leave the casual, more fickle market to Nintendo and focus more on the core player, and still make money, or wait til next generation and make motion sensing a default with the system. Tacking it on halfway through the life cycle of the system might not be the best idea though. 

They either choose to stick to things as it is now, or they hit R&D up, and have them get to work on their motion devices for the next system.  Chances are, you'll see a similar approach to the Wiimote, just more refined. Using a video capture device and full body movement would probably kill off their main userbase (The shooter core.)



If you read what Gates says, he doesn't want a wiimote, more of a video system that can recognize motion and protray it on screen. Kinda closer to PS3's Eye than the wiimote.



It is a rip-off of the PS3 Eye/PS2 Eyetoy.



ampillion said:
Blex said:
wont they have to implement some type of motion control anyway so they too can tap into this new market that nintendo has created/expanded upon if they want to contend in the future if/when the wii is in first place?

 If they care to. In reality, they could leave the casual, more fickle market to Nintendo and focus more on the core player, and still make money, or wait til next generation and make motion sensing a default with the system. Tacking it on halfway through the life cycle of the system might not be the best idea though. 

They either choose to stick to things as it is now, or they hit R&D up, and have them get to work on their motion devices for the next system.  Chances are, you'll see a similar approach to the Wiimote, just more refined. Using a video capture device and full body movement would probably kill off their main userbase (The shooter core.)


you make a compelling statement...and i agree with it. And implementing it now to their system, imo, is almost a sellout.

and i ABSOLUTELY would not want to do full body motion. people complain enough that when playin the wii 'you flail' which isnt the case so full body would turn me off as you mentioned.

@Xyrax: i too cant wait to see the day that happens :)



Wii ID: 3598-1817-7961-3393. PM me if you want an add

If it wasnt for MGS4, the PS3 is unnecessary