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[MightyHedgehog]

Haha, I love it. This is the way you support your peripherals, Sony.

 

[Khezu]

I don't really pay attention to kinect stuff, but couldn't they just make some kinda split controller that uses the kinect like how the PS move works? Or is the kinect not powerful enough to do 1:1 movement and its all a crap shoot?

I'm sure its been brought up before and there is some obvious reason it wouldn't work, I have no idea how powerful the thing is, and have never even seen one in real life.

 

[Izayoi]

So long as it's optional and doesn't impact the non kinect game in any way, this isn't a problem.

CASUALS AND NON-GAMES ARE KILLING GAMING

Spoiler

I agree, though. As long as this shit is never mandatory I won't complain, but the second it becomes something that I have to buy a shitty expensive peripheral to do shitty arm waving bullshit I will be mighty flustered.

 

[freddy]

Such a dilemma for next gen though. To include a controller or not?

 

[SmokyDave]

Yeah, 360 is floundering.

Only big games coming I can think of are Gears of War 3 and Halo 4. The rest is Kinect crap.

Meanwhile PS3 have quite a few big games coming up.

MS really should be putting their effort into Nextbox 720 at this point.

They started out so strong. I was on board at launch because I was one of the 12 people that loved the original Xbox and for a couple of years, the machine was a gaming beast. Then it seemed like everything started to head towards a family-focused media machine with some good games and now we've ended up here: a barren release list that barely raises an eyebrow. It sucks.

I don't want a Kinect. Even if I did, I wouldn't have room. When me & the missus visited friends recently they tried to get us involved in a Kinectathon but it never happened because the pair of us were too tall for the way they had it set up and they couldn't move it further back. Not a great first impression.

Ah well, I've plenty of other platforms that are willing to satisfy my appetites, it's nice that MS are serving other people I guess.

 

[raphier]

thread title should be: Microsoft: Kinect, Kinect Everywhere

 

[mclem]

"But I will say, specifically with voice, that there are some things that just seem to make navigating and playing games so much easier, that I would guess the answer will be yes in the end, that you'll see all first-party games using some form of Kinect functionality."

This does remind me, in light of the Mass Effect functionality: Did anyone (Geoff?) ask any official Microsoft people why Kinect is necessary for this functionality rather than just allowing people to use their Live mic?

 

[nemesun]

I don't think this is an especially great comparison because Mass Effect iPhone was made by very few people in a very short amount of time while Fable: The Journey is a full blown retail title that takes a large amount of resources from Lionhead.

If there is a market for it, they have every right to explore it. I'm sure Microsoft is fully aware of limitation of Kinect but I'm quite adamant that Kinect will play a prominent role in the future of gaming. Not quite sure why gamers are so opposed to any sort of technology that doesn't revolve around stationary navigation.

And Fable: The Journey is a full blow "Kinect" title.

 

[mclem]

Won't happen. I can tell you what 99% of the players would "record" them doing to their defeated enemies.

Searching a database of gestures would be an awesome way to populate an ignore list.

 

[nemesun]

Haha, I love it. This is the way you support your peripherals, Sony.

Ditto.

 

[FOOTE]

Nothing! Fable: The journey is a spin-off and not a full blown entry in the Fable series. I didn't hear people whinging when Bioware announced Mass Effect for the iphone. I for one don't see anything wrong with it.

Fable isn't even on rails, this was mentioned multiple times on G4. The demo that they showed was, but the game will not be when it's released.

 

[MightyHedgehog]

This does remind me, in light of the Mass Effect functionality: Did anyone (Geoff?) ask any official Microsoft people why Kinect is necessary for this functionality rather than just allowing people to use their Live mic?

Of course, it's perfectly possible to use with a standard mic, but MS wants the market to look at their new device for that functionality.

 

[Riddick]

So long as it's optional and doesn't impact the non kinect game in any way, this isn't a problem.

Except that Kinect does affect performance.

 

[Phonomezer]

Except that Kinect does affect performance.

*Looks at Forza 4*

Not really.

 

[mclem]

They are definitly having it included as standard next time though.

So basically, I will not be *able* to use the new Xbox without a newer house? Great.

They started out so strong. I was on board at launch because I was one of the 12 people that loved the original Xbox and for a couple of years, the machine was a gaming beast. Then it seemed like everything started to head towards a family-focused media machine with some good games and now we've ended up here: a barren release list that barely raises an eyebrow. It sucks.

Despite my grumbling above, I'm still rather aware that the 360 is still a machine with a pretty plentiful back catalogue that I've barely scratched; *this* system is still great. The next one, I may have to exercise caution with.

 

[[Nintex]]

Fable isn't even on rails, this was mentioned multiple times on G4. The demo that they showed was, but the game will not be when it's released.

It's not on rails, it's on horse!

lol

 

[M.D]

This does remind me, in light of the Mass Effect functionality: Did anyone (Geoff?) ask any official Microsoft people why Kinect is necessary for this functionality rather than just allowing people to use their Live mic?

Geoff asked Mattrick in an interview after the MS conference and he answered "Well yeah, I supposed you could" or something similar

 

[Blue Ninja]

Don't make me do it, Microsoft. Don't make me do it.

 

[SmokyDave]

This does remind me, in light of the Mass Effect functionality: Did anyone (Geoff?) ask any official Microsoft people why Kinect is necessary for this functionality rather than just allowing people to use their Live mic?

They seem to have completely forgotten that Rainbow Six 3 on the first Xbox used voice commands to control the squad and it wasn't even new back then.

"Open, Frag & Clear!"

Despite my grumbling above, I'm still rather aware that the 360 is still a machine with a pretty plentiful back catalogue that I've barely scratched; *this* system is still great. The next one, I may have to exercise caution with.

No doubt there have been some great games on 360. Even with the current focus, it probably has one of the strongest console line-ups outside of the PS2. I just wish the future looked as bright as the past.

 

[Kujo]

But I will say, specifically with voice, that there are some things that just seem to make navigating and playing games so much easier

Shame they won't allow it with these, that you know, come with every 360

 

[mclem]

Geoff asked Mattrick in an interview after the MS conference and he answered "Well yeah, I supposed you could" or something similar

That's *not* the same thing as saying "I suppose you could, so we'll code that functionality in". I'm curious as to whether they're playing hardball deliberately to make this a Kinect-only feature, or if they're sincere about the feature in itself and want to open it up to as many users as possible.

 

[szaromir]

Fable isn't even on rails, this was mentioned multiple times on G4. The demo that they showed was, but the game will not be when it's released.

The horse section is in a very narrow corridor and the shooting section was definitely on rails.

I'm more worried that the next Halo will be influenced by Call of Duty crap moreso than its kinectification. FM4 utilizes Kinect in unintrusive ways, I imagine that's the general though of adding Kinect functionality into traditional games.

 

[TheOddOne]

If its optinional fine, if forced then smh. There will be bound to be Kinect only games, but atleast most of them will carry the "Better with Kinect" tag.

 

[M.D]

That's *not* the same thing as saying "I suppose you could, so we'll code that functionality in". I'm curious as to whether they're playing hardball deliberately to make this a Kinect-only feature, or if they're sincere about the feature in itself and want to open it up to as many users as possible.

Well, Bioware has something to say about that

Mass Effect 3’s New Voice Commands Are Xbox 360-only and Here’s Why

 

[Nirolak]

If there is a market for it, they have every right to explore it. I'm sure Microsoft is fully aware of limitation of Kinect but I'm quite adamant that Kinect will play a prominent role in the future of gaming. Not quite sure why gamers are so opposed to any sort of technology that doesn't revolve around stationary navigation.

And Fable: The Journey is a full blow "Kinect" title.

I think the issue is that they're doing this to almost the complete exclusion of non Kinect-heavy titles.

Microsoft currently has a total of three non Kinect-heavy, retail core games announced, Forza, Gears, and Halo.

We can guess that they have another Fable coming, but we know they haven't signed Remedy for an Alan Wake sequel, and Ruffian is currently making multiple projects, which given their size, suggests they're not making something on the scale of Crackdown 3.

Right now that would mean their core line-up is just a rotation of Gears/Forza one year, and Halo/Fable the next, with no real signs that they're developing more non Kinect-heavy core titles.

Now throw in the fact that Gears isn't guaranteed to stay around and things are looking a bit barren if you're not into something like Ryse or Fable: The Journey.

 

[Feindflug]

Remember when Peter Moore brought the best developers to the best platform to deliver the best games for all audiences?

;_;

We sure miss Peter but sadly now MS's on "Kinect-ify everything on-rails crap mode" with Spencer, Tsunoda & Mattrick leading the "revolution".

I still can't understand all this obsession with Kinect...is it that hard to keep a balance between casual games for Kinect and core games for controller? I really wish all these "core" Kinect crap they have for this fall like Star Wars and Fable will be ripped to pieces by the press and bomb hard..not sure if something like that will happen though.

 

[Speedymanic]

Oxymoron, development of these asinine features takes time,manpower and thus costs money. Money taken from budget -> less money for " the non kinect game" part of the game.

BUT ITS OPTIONAL! IT MEANS ITS FREE AND A MAGIC FAIRY PROGRAMMED IT!

The " it's optional" argument is the worst thing that has come out of this e3, yes worse than mr caffeine.

That doesn't make any sense. The Kinect part of the game is essentially the core game with added features. Forza 3 had the showroom, now you can play around with it using Kinect and it's allowed them to add headtracking. Future Soldier was always going to have Gunsmith, now you can use Kinect to fool around with it, you get the general idea of what I'm trying to say.

I'll be right alongside the angry mob when they release a Kinect only Halo 4 or Fable 4, or when Kinect features start to impact the non Kinect part of the game, but if these Kinect only titles remain spin offs or if the main games have Kinect features that don't intrude on the core experience, this really isn't that big of a problem.

 

[TheOddOne]

I think the issue is that they're doing this to almost the complete exclusion of non Kinect-heavy titles.

Microsoft currently has a total of three non Kinect-heavy, retail core games announced, Forza, Gears, and Halo.

We can guess that they have another Fable coming, but we know they haven't signed Remedy for an Alan Wake sequel, and Ruffian is currently making multiple projects, which given their size, suggests they're not making something on the scale of Crackdown 3.

Right now that would mean their core line-up is just a rotation of Gears/Forza one year, and Halo/Fable the next, with no real signs that they're developing more non Kinect-heavy core titles.

To be fair though, its too late in this generation to bring new IP's to the market. This pretty much is how the industry is right now, most if not all are focused on sequels. The tried-and-true formula. With new hardware you'll see that change, like for example the stuff they have been doing for Wii-U.

 

[Speedymanic]

Except that Kinect does affect performance.

Examples?

Most, if not all Kinect games released so far have been Kinect only titles, we've yet to see a title that offers Kinect functionality in addition to the core experience.

 

[Salacious Crumb]

You once seemed so promising Microsoft. Why did it have to come to this?

 

[Phonomezer]

Examples?

Most, if not all Kinect games released so far have been Kinect only titles, we've yet to see a title that offers Kinect functionality in addition to the core experience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fJGWZuUz1I

 

[HK-47]

If there is a market for it, they have every right to explore it. I'm sure Microsoft is fully aware of limitation of Kinect but I'm quite adamant that Kinect will play a prominent role in the future of gaming. Not quite sure why gamers are so opposed to any sort of technology that doesn't revolve around stationary navigation.

And Fable: The Journey is a full blow "Kinect" title.

They have a right too. And I have a right to call it shit.

 

[Speedymanic]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fJGWZuUz1I

Right, and how does that affect the core game experience?

Are you no longer allowed to use a pad? It's added functionality that hasn't tainted the core experience.

 

[strem]

/wrists

 

[vodka-bull]

Oh god, please no.

What happened to gaming machines that were designed for ridculously huge TVs in a tiny one-room apartment? I have no goddamn space for Kinect...

Shame they won't allow it with these, that you know, come with every 360

Worked perfectly fine for Tom Clancy's Endwar :/

 

[def sim]

IIRC, they plan to make Kinect accurate enough to be used while sitting down in front of a tv. I'm guessing simple gestures while using a controller is what they meant, so whatever, I'm down.

 

[MightyHedgehog]

Oh god, please no.

What happened to gaming machines that were designed for ridculously huge TVs in a tiny one-room apartment? I have no goddamn space for Kinect...

There may now be a solution for those with small areas to play in, though I'm wondering why MS had not solved this issue themselves if this new addon works as advertised. Nyko Zoom for Kinect. According to the literature, it reduces the need for space in front of the sensor by 40% due to specifically-designed wide angle lenses. Seems a bit pricey, though.

 

[Deadly Joker]

To be fair though, its too late in this generation to bring new IP's to the market. This pretty much is how the industry is right now, most if not all are focused on sequels. The tried-and-true formula. With new hardware you'll see that change, like for example the stuff they have been doing for Wii-U.

While I agree it's to late in this generation to release new IP's, where are the sequels to some popular Xbox and Xbox 360 exclusives? Games like Perfect Dark 2, Kameo 2, Banjo Kazooie, Project Gotham Racing 5, a Crackdown sequel that is actually good, Lost Odyssey 2, and Crimson Skies 2.

What is stopping Microsoft from making these games? Instead we get the usual Halo, Gears of War, Fable, and Forza, over and over again. It's getting old and stale. Why can't they use some of their other IP's?

 

[mclem]

Well, Bioware has something to say about that

Mass Effect 3’s New Voice Commands Are Xbox 360-only and Here’s Why

I was under the impression most of the processing capabilities of the unit had gone? And that any such voice recognition functionality was instead handled in software? Even if the software libraries are supplied by Microsoft and only run on Xbox, that shouldn't preclude the use of non-Kinect microphones.

Unless, of course, Microsoft's libraries will only work with data from Kinect. But I'm sure Microsoft want to reach as wide an audience as possible with any exciting new features!

 

[knitoe]

It seems me when talk about Kinect & core games, the naysayer automatically forget the Kinect + controller option, ie Forza 4. That option is available on every X360 with Kinect sold. Instead, it's always how Kinect only isn't for core games. Well, duh, I been telling people that since Natal/Kinect was announced years back. As long as Microsoft doesn't force Kinect only control, enhancing core games with Kinect would be easy.

 

[mclem]

I still can't understand all this obsession with Kinect...is it that hard to keep a balance between casual games for Kinect and core games for controller? I really wish all these "core" Kinect crap they have for this fall like Star Wars and Fable will be ripped to pieces by the press and bomb hard..not sure if something like that will happen though.

I mentioned it in another thread in a different context: Do remember that Nintendo's E3 2008 was followed by their E3 2009; one E3 does not necessarilty dictate the entire future plan for a system.

 

[Dynamite Shikoku]

kinect is so stupid

 

[witness]

Ugh. Please keep controller options instead, if all 1st party games go all Kinect then I will just stick to my PS3.

 

[venne]

Why wouldn't they? As long as it's optional, who cares?

Don't most Sony first party games support Sixaxis in some fashion?

 

[eso76]

It's already happening, we saw the conference.
And i don't see a problem with kinect functionalities being included in traditional games, on the contrary, it's actually an interesting approach and something that will no doubt help transition with MS's next gen console which will most likely offer built in kinect features.

additional motion / voice controlled interfaces and stuff ingame is all good to me, as long as it's put on top of traditional stuff

 

[TheOddOne]

While I agree it's to late in this generation to release new IP's, where are the sequels to some popular Xbox and Xbox 360 exclusives? Games like Perfect Dark 2, Kameo 2, Banjo Kazooie, Project Gotham Racing 5, a Crackdown sequel that is actually good, Lost Odyssey 2, and Crimson Skies 2.

What is stopping Microsoft from making these games? Instead we get the usual Halo, Gears of War, Fable, and Forza, over and over again. It's getting old and stale. Why can't they use some of their other IP's?

I think most of them did not really sell that well. While they are intresting games, you really have to ponder on pumping money into something that did not sell that good. Other games on the list though, like PGR, suprises me that Microsoft has not tapped into those again.

 

[daviyoung]

This is what happens when you get rid of great developers and reduce the rest to lackies.

 

[Dennis]

While I agree it's to late in this generation to release new IP's, where are the sequels to some popular Xbox and Xbox 360 exclusives? Games like Perfect Dark 2, Kameo 2, Banjo Kazooie, Project Gotham Racing 5, a Crackdown sequel that is actually good, Lost Odyssey 2, and Crimson Skies 2.

What is stopping Microsoft from making these games? Instead we get the usual Halo, Gears of War, Fable, and Forza, over and over again. It's getting old and stale. Why can't they use some of their other IP's?

sales

 

[Always-honest]

Dear Microsoft: NOBODY LIKES YOUR STUPID KINECT.
Stop it.

 

[ReBurn]

All Microsoft needs to do is release a gun peripheral with a glowing bubble that the camera can track. That will bring a whole new level of immersion to games. People must still yell "pew pew" to shoot, though. Because buttons are passé.