Microsoft "will wait" and see how demand for motion-sensitive controllers grows before developing its own SixAxis / Wii Remote-like controller, says Microsoft's Chris Satchell.
Speaking to CVG, the Microsoft Developer Group GM told us that unless there's real demand from gamers and publishers for the tech "there's no point building the hardware if nobody really wants it".
"One thing I'm not certain of is that third-parties are super-excited about that motion control - or at least they're not showing it with the games that are hitting the shelves yet", he said.
"We're yet to see a really good game on Wii that really says 'OK that control kicked ass'.
And of the PlayStation 3's SixAxis controller, Satchell commented: "I think the jury's way out on that. I don't know if it's really that meaningful or not. So I think the jury's out on whether everybody really wants [motion control] so we'll wait and see."
Satchell's comments are at odds with those of Xbox boss Peter Moore, who hinted earlier this year that Microsoft does indeed have its own Wii-inspired plans up its sleeve. "We have plans. This does not come as a surprise", he said.
Look for part one of our interview with Chris Satchell, where he also discusses Microsoft's PlayStation Home-countering plans, Games for Windows Live and Fable 2, later today.
I've got a Wii & 360 and even though I love the Wii system, you can understand Microsoft waiting, it seems there's so much more developers could do with it!
I hope 3rd party developers soon get the idea and it's nice to know Microsoft are also ready when they do (come on Lucasarts where's our Lightsabre action).
Much like rumble on the PS3, if the console doesn't have the capability as standard, I really don't see the point of retro fitting functionality like this as developers are highly unlikely to add the code required to support it in games as they won't be able to guarantee that users will have access to the relevant hardware. How many people with an established console setup will be willing to replace all of their controllers? If it takes off in this generation on both the PS3 & the Wii, then I can see the benefit of adding it to the next console (720 or whatever it'll be called), otherwise I think it's a waste of both time and money... But hey, that's just my opinion...
MS seems to keep bashing Nintendo lately, though they do it in subtle ways. Quite a weird change of direction after praising the Wii60 combo for so long while wanting to bash Sony. I guess they've started realising where the real competition lies now despite Nintendo's "different" direction.
Anyway, the Wii sold with what would be a completely s**t game if it wasn't for the motion control and they say they don't know if people want it yet? I'm talking about Wii Sports for those who aren't sure yet, and don't forget that in Japan people actually had to buy it separately and it still sold amazingly well.
If having sold all those millions of units in so little time means that people may not want motion based control then what makes them buy the Wii? It can't be the actual games because as sad as it makes me to say this, the real good stuff have yet to come, though thankfully a few are in the 2007 horizon.
Anyway, the Wii's selling point is only one currently and that's the motion based control, I don't see how MS can doubt that people actually want this after such a phenomenal success. What do they expect to be convinced anyway? Some stupid online petition saying "please MS, make a motion sensitive controller for your console" or a developer to out of the blue ask for it because they want to make a game based on that?
If people (gamers & devs) want motion control, they know where to go, and as someone said already extra accessories never catch on therefor they'd be crazy to make something and think it would become as succesful as the Wii. All in all this is a completely useless statement done seemingly only to get in the headlines, there's no thought or reasoning behind it really.
I heard a while back that microsoft might be developing a new pad designed for FPS games. Wouldn't it be cool to have a tilt sensetive pad that could be used for this? You could tilt and angle it to look around or to lean left and right.
motion sensing has been tacked on to a lot of games. It didnt feel necessary on Zelda-Twilight Princess or Resistance.
However, Wii Sports Tennis is AMAZING. It is immersive, great control, original, and fun. My game of the year for 2006. I also quite liked it in flOw as it complimented the 'nature' theme of the game.
I think the lesson is that motion sensing is not appropriate for all games, but it can greatly improve the experience for appropriate games.
Anyway, the Wii's selling point is only one currently and that's the motion based control, I don't see how MS can doubt that people actually want this after such a phenomenal success.
It was new and different - hell, I bought one! Great fun for a day or 2. I've not turned it on alone or sober yet, or since I was last in company and pi$$ed.
And just like Samba Di Amigo (remember that, motion fans?) - its great in company, expecially after a drink. You sure feel like a tool playing it alone though.
MS have really promoted Live as a multiplayer platform which encourages networked multiplayer, rather than a bunch of mates around a telly. Online mates can't really see you jumping around the room and I think that would kill the fun.
This seems a little bit desperate to me. Microsoft should just do what there doing now, get support from great games and bring out some amazing downloadable content on Xbox Live. You don't need the motion sensitive controllers.
Consoles like the Wii are a novelty that will wear off about about 6 months -----ps3 i suppose is the best idea and its the best of both worls -- if you want motion you can or (IF LIKE ME) hates the motion control and prefers a normal pad you can.
meh,i dont fancy it...i have the Wii for that,and i cant say there are that many games that make me rush out and pick up for that system,whereas the 360 i have 30+ games
proberbly be good as an add on for those who DO want it,but i will give it a miss,i am still hurt for falling into the totemball pit with that vision camera
remember microsoft saying that hdmi and 120GB space are not needed? then they eventually came up with the elite. it's all about demand, and they are right. we won't be surprised if a motion-sensing controller eventually turns up for 360..
It's already been almost six months and it's still selling out silly. Not to mention a system with the userbase Wii already has achieved is going to get a lot of developer support in the long run. Sure their current games suck but developers have actually complained people only buy Nintendo games so their crap don't get any sales. Complains however don't work sothey'll have to make good games eventually if they want to exploit the Wii market share. And they do want it, trust me.
Oh okay, I guess stating unfounded rumours as fact is the way to go in arguments now. Thanks, I'll keep that in mind in the future
Anyway, replace "selling out" with "selling like hot cakes" in my previous post as that's the point rather than what kind of stock they provide and if it gets sold out or not.
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