A Microsoft Corp. representative told Punch Jump this month that the company is preparing to deliver an incredible game lineup with the launch of the new motion-sensitive controller for the Xbox 360 called Project Natal.
The representative said that Microsoft is in development on game titles and is currently shipping developer kits to ensure a strong game lineup for the hardware’s launch.
Project Natal, a new control peripheral for the Xbox 360, utilizes a camera to perform three-dimensional tracking, facial recognition and voice recognition.
The hardware itself is a slender bar that will sit near a television to detect player movement and sound.
Menu navigation demonstrations included facial recognition to auto-login to Xbox Live and waving through menu screens.
Game demonstrations include Ricochet to punch and kick balls away from the screen, and Paint Party to splash paint onto a virtual canvas.
The hardware is slated for a 2010 release, though no specific ship date has been announced, the representative said.
Microsoft plans to offer Project Natal controls to compete with Nintendo Co.’s Wii, which has sold 50 million units worldwide due to its low barrier-to-entry, motion-sensitive controller.
The Xbox 360, which has sold 30 million units globally, currently attracts more core players with favorites like the Halo and Gears of War franchise.
The Xbox Live online service offers a more mainstream experience, with downloadable HD TV and movie content, and the ability to stream Netflix movies.
This fall, Microsoft will add Facebook and Twitter functionality to Xbox Live.
Rival Sony Corp. will enter the motion-sensitive control market with the Playstation Motion Controller for the Playstation 3. The wand-like device is scheduled to be sold in spring 2010.
http://news.punchjump.com/blog/2009/06/15/microsoft-preps-project-natal-xbox-360-game-lineup/
