Microsoft 'Project Natal' - Xbox 360 Motion Control Camera

[parallaxscroll]

Natal - Intro
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-09-project-natal/50013

Natal - Family Play
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-09-project-natal/50018

Lionhead's Peter Molyneux 'Milo' Project for Natal
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-09-lionhead-milo/50016






Microsoft shows off motion-sensing game control, Project Natal
Dean Takahashi | June 1st, 2009

http://venturebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/claire.jpg

Trying to one-up Nintendo, Microsoft showed off a game control scheme where you use your body to control what happens in a game.

Dubbed Project Natal, the new game control system uses a 3-D depth camera to capture your movements in front of the TV and translate them into control actions for a game.

Don Mattrick, head of Microsoft’s game business, took the stage at the Microsoft press conference at the E3 game show to show off the system. Director Steven Spielberg came out on stage to praise Microsoft for showing off something that he had been dreaming about for many years.

“Before, there was a barrier separating video game players from everyone else,” Mattrick said.

Microsoft showed a video that showed how the game system could be used to control games such as fighting or skateboarding games. You can scan your own skateboard into a game and then use it to ride on in a skateboarding game. The aim is to get more people to play games who would otherwise be intimidated by a traditional game controller with tons of buttons. The idea is to make people feel more connected to a game, said Peter Molyneux, head of Microsoft’s Lionhead game division. Molyneux showed a game above, dubbed Milo, where you can interact with a little boy, a virtual character, and explore a world with your own body movements.

http://venturebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/control.jpg

You can use the system to control your Xbox Live avatar, or virtual character, on the TV screen. Hence, you can navigate through the Xbox 360’s dashboard using gestures captured by the camera. Microsoft showed off some demo games where you can paint pictures on the TV using swipes of your hands. Another game showed how you can also kick balls back and forth in a soccer-like simulation. You can also swoosh your hand through water and make it splash. Microsoft pointed out that you can’t do these things with similar accuracy with the Nintendo Wii.

We’ve reported that Microsoft acquired 3D depth camera maker 3DV Systems and is also working with Prime Sense, another 3D depth camera company. Microsoft is shipping game design tools for Project Natal today. As we reported, that means games with the system won’t be ready until late 2010.

http://venturebeat.com/2009/06/01/microsoft-shows-off-motion-sensing-game-control-project-natal/


tons & tons more articles on Natal


http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/988/988693p1.html
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/988/988701p1.html
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10253586-1.html
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-10253892-235.html
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1902208,00.html
http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/58906
http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/19801/Project-Natal-Xbox-360-Motion-Camera-Revealed/
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Technology/GameOn/story?id=7725630&page=1
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2009286427_microsoft_xbox_throws_down_gau.html
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/06/microsofte3.html
http://news.punchjump.com/article.php?id=7948
http://www.gearlog.com/2009/06/e3_microsoft_announces_gesture.php
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/e3-2009/5424429/E3-2009-Microsoft-launches-Xbox-360-controller-free-games-system.html
http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/news.phtml/24486/microsoft-reveals-controller-free-project-natal.phtml
http://gizmodo.com/5274319/xbox-360-full+body-motion-control-is-here-project-natal
http://www.developmag.com/news/32018/Microsoft-exposes-new-motion-sensing-camera
http://gaming.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=18682
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/microsoft-debuts-project-natal-for-xbox-360
http://www.endsights.com/2009/06/01/e3-09-xbox-360-motion-controls-revealed-molyneuxs-project-milo-shown/
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hPA9tbou_hW2goqBV-EyL9FCTGywD98I2OGG0
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/06-01-2009/0005036115&EDATE=
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2009/06/67512899/1
http://360.kombo.com/article.php?artid=16504
http://www.cinemablend.com/games/E3-2009-Microsoft-s-NATAL-Is-Full-Body-Full-Voice-Recognition-Device-17897.html
http://www.cnbc.com/id/31049821
http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/06/01/microsoft.project.natal/
http://www.gamefocus.ca/?nav=new&nid=5510
http://www.sunherald.com/prnewswire/story/1382447.html
http://www.gameplanet.co.nz/news/133216.20090602.Microsoft-announce-Project-Natal/
http://www.azcentral.com/business/consumer/articles/2009/06/01/20090601xboxcontroller-ON.html
http://www.neowin.net/news/gamers/09/06/01/microsoft-introduces-controller-free-gaming-project-natal
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/be924724-4ed3-11de-8c10-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=e8477cc4-c820-11db-b0dc-000b5df10621.html
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology/2009/06/01/xbox-project-natal-blows-wii-away-with-full-body-motion-control-with-video-115875-21407558/
http://www.slipperybrick.com/2009/06/microsoft-announces-project-natal-motion-controller-for-xbox-360/
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=23863
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=216364
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/techchron/category?blogid=19&cat=2787
http://www.t3.com/news/project-natal-xbox-360-gets-full-body-motion-sensor?=39014
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/50570/xbox-360-targets-the-wii-with-project-natal-motion-control-system/

[The 1 2 P]

I watched it live and it was truely revolutionary. Of course, the big question is rather or not it will actually function as advertised. If it does, then they would have created the most user friendly video game controls in the history of man. It's nice to see they are thinking outside the box.

[joedick]

Sounds cool, but it seems like watching it in action is amazing. I'll have to check it out once I come across it.

I wonder if the late release date of the games will kill the momentum. Oh well, it least it'll be better than You're in the Movies.

[shopkins]

This thing is nuts. If it works as advertised it's the kind of computer interface you'd see in an optimistic science fiction movie, not something you'd expect to plug into your $200 video game console.

[poloplayr]

This is following Nintendo towards "casual gaming". This is not the type of gaming I like.

It makes sense from a commercial point of view, unfortunately, but to me it's a fun novelty thing, not what I fell in love with in gaming.

[Press_Start]

Didn't really expect that. Really blew me out of the water. :o

Still doesn't get me to buy a 360 though. They didn't touch on the RROD issue, which is a really BIG reason why I haven't. Having the "new" generation in mind shows a step in the right direction but can backfire in their faces if they're 360 are still consistently crapping out and will leave a bad aftertaste for consumers in next gen. MS really need to get their ducks in the row before they can win off the "new" crowd.

[TonyTheTiger]

Grand Theft Auto: Project Natal

Now beat up hookers for realz!

In all seriousness, if this does work the way they're saying it does I'm hoping for something that is a bit more meaty than a "do this, do that" minigame. Provided it's not disturbing as GTA:PN would probably be.

[jb143]

It makes sense for input devices to be going in this direction. The technology is finally here...and seriously...how many more buttons can they add to a contoller.

[Push Upstairs]

First the "Surface" and now this...now I'm starting to believe this is the 21st century.

[Dobie]

While its interesting, this is not the direction I wanted Microsoft to take. Goofy waggle controls are done on Wii already. I also think it has an unfortunate name. I keep thinking its pronounced "naaaatal," (long "a") as in pre-natal, as in baby stuff. As in this is some baby controller for kids. Not the core user base of the 360.

I understand Microsoft wants to expand their user base, and this kind of move may likely succeed in doing so. I see the business reasons for such a device. But its not a device that will provide the kind of experience I'm looking for, especially if its priced at the rumored $200. I play games to sit down, have a cold beverage of my choosing, and relax for a couple hours after work, and the kids are in bed. If i want to flail around I go to the gym.

But kudos to Microsoft for taking the risk. They offered enough of "my" kind of experience, I'm happy with what is coming, and look forward to those offerings. They can likely position their machine for both groups, and I'm OK with that.

[Rev. Link]

They can likely position their machine for both groups, and I'm OK with that.


I don't know, this worries me. I mean, Nintendo tried to do that. Remember when Wii was still Revolution, and there was all this talk about more traditional video games to go along with all the new motion mini-game casual fluff? Stuff like Project Hammer and Day of Disaster.

Well, what happened? Wii became a huge hit, everybody's mom wanted to play Wii Sports all the time, companies started shoveling all kinds of disposable garbage fluff games onto the system, and Nintendo realized they didn't need to waste time or money or games for folks like us. Now we get loads of garbage, and the occasional, rare release of a real game for the system. So rare most people I know that have one haven't even played the thing in over a year.

I'm worried that this might be Microsoft's first step towards the same business model.

[Dobie]

I'm worried that this might be Microsoft's first step towards the same business model.

Good point.

I'll scratch "likely" out of that statement, and say they CAN position their machine for both groups. I guess the question of WILL they remains to be seen.

[Streetball 21]

I see this as an expected counter move by Microsoft. I'm curious to see what they have for this device. I'd never thought I would see Microsoft make a "painting" game.

[Lord_Magus]

Looks interesting, only time will tell if they succeed as much as Nintendo has with the same idea. I'm curious how well the motion/sound/image recognition will work, but even if it's not optimal it's still one more step down the road Nintendo has paved towards "the future of gaming", so to speak.

Watching the video though, I failed to see how these controls would work with traditional games (such as platformers, shooters, 2D fighters etc.). Ah well, now I started thinking that there'll be a time when all such traditional games will only be found in museums, and all games will be simulators of sorts interwoven with an above photo-realistic presentation and surreal, dreamlike mechanics most people will use to combat everyday stress and inanity.

Until then, I presume the "normal" games we know will co-exist with this new "breed" until it completely takes over. It's inevitable, and despite being slightly depressing, it's also utterly fascinating - I actually can't wait to see how things will be in 20 (or 40) years time from now.

[heybtbm]

So we've just lost Microsoft to the Soccer Mom/casual game crowd? Great.

[ProgrammingAce]

Seriously? People think that this is going to turn Microsoft into Nintendo?

This is the same company who blugoned you with Halo 3, they're not changing their business model because they're selling a new camera.

[RCM]

The MS briefing was sweet across the board. It'll be interesting once prototypes start popping up of the other motion-based stuff they were working on before this.

[chicnstu]

For "traditional" games (for example a first person shooter where you actually get to aim with motions) wouldn't Microsoft need to include (or sell separately...) a different type of controller? Maybe something similar to Nintendo's remote and nunchuk, one for moving the character (nunchuk), and the other for aiming (a remote with something the camera can see on the end of it).

[Streetball 21]

Seriously? People think that this is going to turn Microsoft into Nintendo?

This is the same company who blugoned you with Halo 3, they're not changing their business model because they're selling a new camera.

Exactly, I thought it over again, and I realized this is not a new system, just a add-on. "A new camera" is exactly what it is.

[Trebuken]

While everything was awesome about this, the whole Microsoft conference was about piracy. FFXIII stolen from SOny, we knew that already -- now stealing Metal Gear. Motion controls, evolutionary, but Wii did it first. The casual games -- the 'Kart' game was so Mario Kartish. Tony Hawk's board looked like a Wii control (better built).

I'm trying to imagine Fable 3 using Natal, and frankly it's gonna' be awesome after Peter Molyneux's demonstration...

[evil_genius]

I watched it live and it was truely revolutionary. Of course, the big question is rather or not it will actually function as advertised. If it does, then they would have created the most user frirendly video game controls in the history of man. It's nice to see they are thinking outside the box.

That's the age we're in with the video game industry.

It's like innovate or die right now.

Can't wait to see what this is gonna cost...

[Gentlegamer]

This is how Skynet gets started.

[CDiablo]

Can't wait to see what this is gonna cost...

A lot of sources are predicting that it'll cost $200. Hopefully thouse predictions are horribly wrong.

[scooterb23]

The thing that got me about the Natal thing was they had a demo of a skateboarding game...which seems like it would make the Tony Hawk controller pretty dang obsolete less than an hour after it was announced.

But this is exactly the kind of stuff I am happy to see, and I hope it works as well as advertised.

[MobilityRed]

Anyone have an idea of the ballpark R&D costs MS blew on this? I can't see them letting it go for LESS than $199 based on what I've seen?

It's very impressive, another leap forward. From an evolutionary standpoint it seems we are going to move from a 180 degree flat display to something that actually creates a world around us when we play.

[scooterb23]

For "traditional" games (for example a first person shooter where you actually get to aim with motions) wouldn't Microsoft need to include (or sell separately...) a different type of controller? Maybe something similar to Nintendo's remote and nunchuk, one for moving the character (nunchuk), and the other for aiming (a remote with something the camera can see on the end of it).

*slaps chicnstu*

Wake up. This is not going to be for FPS games. Those will still be over there with all the other controller based games.

[swlovinist]

This thing looks good, but here is what is probably going to happen

Unless it is cheap, then few will buy it, and software will be limited. Accesories that are not sold with game systems in the past have not done that well(I know that there are exceptions)

This thing is the counter to the wii, and will be geared towards those types of games.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Unless it is cheap, then few will buy it, and software will be limited. Accesories that are not sold with game systems in the past have not done that well(I know that there are exceptions)

See EyeToy for further info... Yeah, that's right, I said it.

No matter how good it is in games or how well it works this thing won't get the desired traction on the 360. On MS's next box, if it's made a standard control option for the system, then it will have a chance at reaching it's promise. Nothing but a safety play when it all comes down. Welcome to the Me Too level. LOL

[Bojay1997]

See EyeToy for further info... Yeah, that's right, I said it.

No matter how good it is in games or how well it works this thing won't get the desired traction on the 360. On MS's next box, if it's made a standard control option for the system, then it will have a chance at reaching it's promise. Nothing but a safety play when it all comes down. Welcome to the Me Too level. LOL

Disagree. If this thing really is significantly better than what the Wii can offer, it will absolutely sell. The market is already primed for it by the success of the Wii. Of course, I'm very skeptical that it actually is any good since I recall a very similar presentation for the Eye Toy and You're in the Movies in years past. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[JunkTheMagicDragon]

am i the only one who heard the guy in the press conference say this will be included with every 360 once it launches? if that's the case, i can't see it being that expensive, despite the pretty awesome stuff it can do.

[Icarus Moonsight]

At the very least Natal is a test run. If the tech proves itself, even if the sales are less than desired, I'm more than certain it will be included with the next system right out of the box. It's actually a rather smart way to go about it from the perspective of MS. They've already proven that they are willing to take a financial hit if in the long run the expense suits their aims. Save for the project completely falling on it's face and not working, they have a winner. It's more of a contention of "when" than "will".

@Junk: He said it will work with all 360 sold past and future. By what was said, I don't think it's planned to be included with the systems.

[YoshiM]

I've yet to see the Natal in action, but if it's as good as what people are saying I think we may see that 1-to-1 lightsaber game people have been clamoring for on the Wii.

[joedick]

I got a kick out of seeing a headline announcing Microsoft's motion controls on the news channel of my Wii System Menu.

[scooterb23]

am i the only one who heard the guy in the press conference say this will be included with every 360 once it launches? if that's the case, i can't see it being that expensive, despite the pretty awesome stuff it can do.

I heard that as well, although there is always the chance that he misspoke. It will be worth watching closer to launch.

[Bojay1997]

I heard that as well, although there is always the chance that he misspoke. It will be worth watching closer to launch.

Then you guys were hearing things. He said nothing of the sort. As pointed out above, he said it works with every 360 not that it comes with every 360. The press conference is available to watch again at various sites if you would like to.

[crom]

watching the presentation gave me goosebumps...

its minority report... ppl arnt saying anything about the voice recognition in this? or the ability to controll the xbox interface with this thing at all?

how about the milo demo?

she drew a fish on a pieace of paper and gave it to the video game and their it was on the video game!!! are you serious??/!!!

it knew if she was happy or sad from facial recognition!!!!

it logged you in to xbox live from facial recognition!!!!

their is a new movie coming out called gamer thats makes me think thanks to this invention that the movie can actually exist for real...

bind blowing...

the thing is peter molyneux said we have demos setup for ppl to try this milo demo out so you can see its not fake...

if sony announced this id say yeah will see about it... but the fact that xbox brought out peter molyneux to show it off tells you this is going to be amazing...

[CosmicMonkey]

Absolutely, totally incredible.

Everything the Wii can do, and more, all in 1080p. If M$ have to include it with the console to beat Nintendo, I'm sure they will.

Nintendo have just been totally spanked.

[Icarus Moonsight]

The voice recognition is very impressive. The whole Natal project is impressive truthfully. I'm just not convinced that it works as shown until I see it and use it for myself. Some of them tech demo apps looked a bit, shady, almost Sony-esque to me. I hope it's real and works well. It would be a major step in a great direction. It's the 360, so a part of me is saying, "Sure, it looks good, but what's the critical flaw with it?"

[boatofcar]

This is following Nintendo towards "printing money".

Fixed that.

Natal is a horrible name. Other than that, I'm very interested to see how this turns out in actual practice. There are a lot of blanks that still need to be filled in.

[importaku]

Considering people are constantly moaning about having to use motion controls on the wii, how are they going to cope on the 360 with this?

[thom_m]

"Natal" means "Christmas" in portuguese. When I saw that on the local media, I thought it was something MS intended to release on the Holidays. LOL This coincidence also led to speculation around the project being developed here, in a tech center in the brazilian city of Natal - but I think that's obviously bullshit.

That put, I say the technology is really impressive, although a little alarming - like someone said above, it can lead to tons of shovelware based on the novelty of the thingy, and less quality stuff for the ones who (like myself) enjoy sitting down and enjoying some time playing good games.

A friend of mine also mentioned that it's a cool plataform for more than games - like, going to a virtual store, walk around, "trying" on some clothes and order them online. What do you guys think about it?

[Oobgarm]

http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2009/20090605.jpg