Project Natal at Tokyo Game Show 2009
Major announcements were made at Tokyo Game Show 2009.
by XboxOZ360
©2009 Grant Smythe:
When the news of Project Natal dropped at this years E3, many were astounded, some were befaddled, others simply sceptical at best.
Following along from that, at this years Tokyo Games Show, Microsoft have now unveiled even more detailed information on Project Natal, talking about how it will be brought into line with games. Several major developers are discussing their thoughts on the project and how it will change the way they do their games in the future.
You need to really take the time and read this at a slow pace to understand the depth that games could get to using Project Natal. Natal will be able to be used in all current Xbox 360′s, and will no doubt be integrated into the shell of the upcoming newer X720 (code name) when it arrives.
Judging by the progress, and the fact their new unified motherborad Valhalla is not that far off, then a Xbox fitted with the Natal components might not be that far away, all things considered.
Xbox 360® today announced widespread enthusiasm from the world’s leading video game publishers for Project Natal, a whole new way to play, with no controller required.
Developers across the globe have embraced the technology and have begun work on titles that will deliver extraordinary entertainment experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Coming just three months after Project Natal was unveiled at E3, the announcements at the Tokyo Game Show underscore the swift industry support for the revolutionary controller-free experiences being developed exclusively for Xbox 360, the premier games and entertainment system.
Among the elite publishers actively working on games for Project Natal are Activision Blizzard, Bethesda Softworks, CAPCOM, Disney Interactive, Electronic Arts, Konami, MTV Games, Namco Bandai, Sega, Square Enix, THQ Inc., and Ubisoft.
Together, these publishers account for more than 70 percent of third-party software sales for this generation of console and most of the world’s most recognized video game franchises.
“Project Natal gives the industry’s creators and storytellers the freedom to dream of new experiences and to tell stories never before possible,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “The support of these creative partners testifies to the excitement that Project Natal is generating among the most innovative minds in the industry, and is proof that Xbox 360 not only offers the best games and entertainment today, but will lead with innovation and new ways to have fun in the future.” Further details of publishers’ new Project Natal inspired projects will be released at a later date.
Project Natal in action at E3.
Xbox 360 is hosting a high-powered panel at the Tokyo Game Show featuring three acclaimed Japanese industry luminaries: Capcom’s Keiji Inafune, creator of Mega Man and Dead Rising™, Sega’s Toshihiro Nagoshi, creator of Super Monkey Ball, and Konami’s Hideo Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear Solid series. The three developers will discuss the possibilities for the ground-breaking new experiences that can only be achieved with Project Natal.
Project Natal is a codename for a whole new way to play. Combining an RGB camera, depth sensor, and multi-array microphone running proprietary software, Project Natal enables gamers to play in a natural and inviting new way, free from the boundaries of a controller through the use of sight, sound, and motion.
Publishers, who received development kits from Microsoft in early June, used the opening of the Tokyo Game Show to voice their excitement about Project Natal.
“Microsoft’s Project Natal could fundamentally change the way players experience sports games,” said EA Sports President Peter Moore. “At EA, some of our top development teams are experimenting with these tools with the goal of delivering a completely fresh take on genres like sports and racing.”
“Activision is encouraged by the innovation that Project Natal will bring to the industry and how it can transform consumers’ video games experience. We have development teams working on Project Natal development kits to explore the creative possibilities this new technology affords,” said Dusty Welch, senior vice president and head of Publishing at Activision/Blizzard.
“I strongly feel that Project Natal will expand the possibilities of gaming. It’s yet another component that adds to the appeal of Xbox 360 and demonstrates to users the broad level of entertainment it provides,” said Keiji Inafune, managing corporate officer and Head of Research & Development Management Group at CAPCOM. “Personally, I too am extremely excited about Project Natal. It’s really going to stir up our creative spirits. I think it’s going to bring new ways to play and new surprises to Xbox 360 fans and help further the development of completely original content. Project Natal is definitely something people should look out for.”
- Now, imagine THIS scene in a Project Natal game.
“Ubisoft sees enormous opportunities with Project Natal. With the 3-D camera, your body can become the interface,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer of Ubisoft. “Any barrier related to the use of pad controllers that may have existed for potential gamers is now abolished. Ubisoft is already taking advantage of this major evolution to design new types of gaming experiences and attract more people to play video games.”
In addition to the broad industry support, Microsoft Game Studios is busy at work creating a diverse slate of experiences that will appeal to a wide variety of entertainment interests.
“Project Natal is enabling our team of developers to create experiences we couldn’t have accomplished before,” said Phil Spencer, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Game Studios (MGS). “Microsoft Game Studios will help lead the way in bringing Project Natal to life.”
While laying the foundation for tomorrow with Project Natal, Xbox 360 remains the premier device for home entertainment today. Hot new titles for Xbox LIVE® Arcade were also unveiled at TGS, including Toy Soldiers, Snoopy Flying Ace, Bomberman Live: Battlefest, and Ray Storm HD, positioning Xbox LIVE Arcade as the premier destination to enjoy the most innovative downloadable games.
Xbox 360 is also set to deliver the best new gaming, entertainment, and social experiences for consumers this fall. Not only is Xbox 360 home to the most-anticipated exclusive games such as Halo® 3: ODST, Forza Motorsport® 3, Left 4 Dead 2, and new content from Rockstar Games including the Xbox retail exclusive Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City featuring The Ballad of Gay Tony, which will also be available for download over Xbox LIVE, it will also be the only place to watch instant-on HD in full 1080p with Zune video, and listen to personalized streaming radio right in the living room with Last.fm on Xbox LIVE. And with new social experiences custom-made for the television, Xbox LIVE continues to offer the most ways of any console to connect and share with friends and family on Facebook, and post tweets on Twitter.
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I think between the Playstation Motion Controller and Project Natal, Natal is the one I would go with. The reason is because I think Natal is new and innovative while the Playstation Motion Controller seems like a copy of the Wiimote. Which is not a good thing for Sony. I think Natal will allow new experiences to be delivered from games. Also does anyone miss HD-DVD, I really that could have had a future in the gaming industry and movie industry.