it would appear at this point that neither the PlayStation Move nor Kinect can perform at all with a distance lower than 6’ (approx. 1.82 metres), but also that both have different distance requirements dependant of the software being used.

http://electronictheatre.co.uk/index.php/industry-blogs/editors-commentary/6427-xbox-360-kinects-space-demands-have-been-over-exaggerated

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Throughout the months since this year’s big reveal of Microsoft’s full-body motion-control device for the Xbox 360, Kinect, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) back in June, much has been made of the space requirements demanded for use. After an extensive period of testing on every launch title, in multiple locations, Electronic Theatre can officially state that the issue has been severely over exaggerated.

            When using the Kinect software, players are regularly informed of the distance they need stand from the television in order to play. Certain games require a greater distance than others, as would be expected, and to provide the wider angle the device’s camera needs to detect multiple players, the play space is plotted yet further from the television. However, with correct positioning of the Kinect unit – both in terms of height and co-ordination with the TV – the distance demands placed upon the location are no greater than that of Sony’s recently released PlayStation Move motion-controller.

            Essentially, the issue lies in that of correct detection with a camera lens, a functionality that exists in both Kinect and the PlayStation Move. The pack-in Kinect Adventures undoubtedly has the greatest demands – especially when playing with two players simultaneously – but even here players can easily partake in the game with less than the 10’ (approx. 3.04 metres) that has previously been suggested. In fact, an 8’ (approx. 2.43 metres) distance is ample, the same distance required for many of the PlayStation Move’s launch titles.

            Kinectimals requires less space, as does The Fight, both able to be played without problems at a distance of around 7’ (approx. 2.13 metres), while Dance Central and Kinect JoyRide perform well at around 8’. Likewise, Start the Party! and Sports Champions, which utilise the PlayStation Move on the PlayStation 3, also perform best with round 8’ of playing space – as is advised both in the manual and in-game.

            In each of the locations Electronic Theatre has tested the two devices, with the multiple different television and furniture arrangements, it would appear at this point that neither the PlayStation Move nor Kinect can perform at all with a distance lower than 6’ (approx. 1.82 metres), but also that both have different distance requirements dependant of the software being used. Further releases will undoubtedly shake the formula even further, but for now all that need be known is that both devices will perform adequately in the average UK living room

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I have never had a single problem regarding space playing kinect.

I do have to move my coffee table though

3-4 feet with Move is more than enough. You simply need to put the camera on wide angle.

I agree. If you place your sensor higher up, you will gain more distance. I was shocked at the little amount of space a friend of mine had ,and he said the sensor worked fine. It's the nature of the beast though. You can't expect to have a full body control system to be playable from 1 foot (0.3048 meters) away from your TV.

I would agree sensor placement is key. I am not sure about needing 10 foot as a requirement to play any Kinect game even when I had the sensor low down I never had issues although I was using all the floor space probably 8 foot when player 2 player games.

I have moved my Kinect sensor to a different room which actually is bigger but not because of size as it was perfectly playable in the original room rather because the bloody thing gets played so damn much it was interfering with my Telly time.

The sensor is placed much higher here and I cannot say I noticed any discernible difference performance. I would say that if you play the sensor higher up and maybe behind the TV common sense dictates you get a few more feet back. Obviously if you have stuck your TV to a wall then you have reduced your flexibility somewhat.

Anyway I think both Move and Kinect are always going to have a certain amount of play space requirements based simply on the fact people are expected to move around a lot.