Everyone’s expecting Sony and Microsoft to seriously pimp out their respective motion-controlling technologies at Tokyo Game Show 2009 this week, and early reports suggest that this will in fact be the case. Yet despite all of the pre-hoopla surrounding these technologies, which are still around a year away from being released, not everyone sees the oncoming flood of motion-controlled gaming as the end all and be all of interactive entertainment.
Speaking with the Financial Times, Square Enix head Yoichi Wada said upcoming motion-sensing technologies will most likely have little impact on console sales because, “the [new motion] controllers are quite limited…They are an extension of the gaming function.”
However, Wada then went on to admit having some pretty high expectations for Microsoft’s Project Natal, saying, “As a user interface, it’s fantastic and I think it will become standard.” That’s quite the prediction, especially since Wada doesn't seem too optimistic about Sony and Microsoft benefiting hardware-wise from their motion technologies.
Wada also predicted that Nintendo would release a new version of the Wii in 2011, and that it would most likely include similar functionality to that found in the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, as well as perhaps a new controller. Now, while we’ve been hearing about an HD Wii for some time now, the idea of the Wii getting new controls sounds a bit harder to believe, especially considering how hard Nintendo has had to work to get people (and developers for that matter) comfortable with the Wii’s control scheme up to this point.
Apparent contradictions aside, what do you think of Wada's motion-control prognostications?
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LucasFFXI
Yoichi Wada has a really good point.
TD_ThA_MoNsTa
I agree with him on saying that the motion controls from Sony and Microsoft won't really boost console sales. Because truthfully, both jus kinda look like really nice add ons, nothing you really need. I don't agree with him where he said Natal would become standard. That's jus too much of a stretch to say in my opinion. I mean, it hasn't even been released yet. All the public can go on is some nice words from Microsoft, and a couple of live demos. As far as an HD Wii in 2011, wouldn't shock me if it did happen. I mean, Nintendo's made a load of profit from the Wii. They got the money, it's whether or not they get any real support from developers.
FLP_B01
most core to hardcore gamers likes to seat in their comfy couch and play games with controllers. . .
without wagging their body parts. . .
I have a Wii. . .and havent played it for almost a year.
im just waiting for the new Super Mario Bros. game and Tatsunoko VS. Capcom.
and those games you dont need to move most of your body.
askanison
I don't think any motion control game is going to sell more consoles than an Uncharted 2 or Modern Warfare 2, but who says it has to. The new motion control technology will increase the value of consoles people already own. I predict a lot of naysayers will change their minds when the motion control actually releases, much like the people who bash the new 3D movie technology but haven't really seen how amazing it is in person. Having seen the 20 minute preview screening of James Cameron's Avatar in Imax 3D, I already know that the masses will finally understand what's so great about the new technology come this December. Similarly, when there is a game that takes full advantage of the new motion controllers' capabilities, I'm sure a lot of people will come around.
It appears that Sony's motion control will be the most revolutionary because it's the only new motion controller to my knowledge that offers true 1:1 gaming. I'm still not sure why Natal gets more press, because Sony's is further into development and looks to offer more versatility and ease of use. To me, it sounds like Wada is out of his element and just making the same blanket statements someone who hasn't experienced the technology hands-on would use.
MrPickering
I actually share most of his opinions. Motion controls wont go mainstream for awhile, the non gaming functionality of NATAL will become very standard. Who knows, Nintendo already has a new core audience type, what could it hurt to add standard controller functionality to get some of the good multi-platform ports?
Adrenalyn915
I have to agree with Mr. Wada. I don't think that motion controls will have a respectable impact on hardware sales. The new technologies that Sony and Microsoft are using are certainly amazing, but I really don't think, from a gaming perspective, that they are all that practical. I have not seen anything software-wise from either console that is a truly revolutionary change from the Wiimote. Yes, Natal is impressive technology, but who really wants to flail around like an imbecile while playing a video game? I can see what Mr. Wada is talking about when he says that Natal will become the standard, not for video games, but for interaction with computers in general, much like 'Minority Report'. But when you flip through the menus to get to a game, most people will still want to pick up some sort of controller. The only way I believe the controller will become unnecessary is when true 'virtual reality' becomes a reality, and when that day comes, most of G4's viewers and employees (including myself) will be screwed, because they will become complete vegetables, lost in their own virtual world...
The_Feedzilla
More people should listen to this guy! I am a responsible young adult who takes care of his body through regular physical exercise. I play my 360 to relax and reduce stress, not to be jumping around my room like a fat kid on a sugar high. I do not want to be waving my hands around like an idiot to do simple actions the would otherwise require me to move my left thumb.
death_by_dying
No one cares. I hate these analyst people that think that what they say is important.
Displaying 1–8 of 8