Tag Archives: Kinect

Microsoft: Kinect becoming ‘super-responsive’

Posted on by
Reply

As reported by the Train2Game blog, Microsoft gave Kinect a huge push during their E3 press conference, with developers getting better at using the technology.

Now  Kinect developers are starting to unlock “a whole bunch of new stuff” with their “super-responsive” titles. At least that’s according to Kinect’s Microsoft creative director, Kudo Tsunoda.

“I think the great thing about Kinect, and you saw so many new types of experience at the E3 keynote, is it’s all being down with the same hardware and development tools that have been available for a while – it’s just us as developers getting better at using the technology,” he said.

“You could see that in Kinect Star Wars: we’ve got the responsiveness down now where you could be blocking laser shots coming in with the lightsaber, which obviously needs to be very responsive to be able to do that.”

“It’s super-responsive, and that’s certainly unlocking a whole bunch of new stuff.” He added.

Microsoft has already stated that all first Xbox 360 titles will come with Kinect support in future, and you can find out more here on the Train2Game blog.

And as also previously reported by the Train2Game blog, Minecraft for the Xbox 360 will also come with Kinect support.

Only yesterday the Train2Game blog reported that while Peter Molyneux is a huge fan of Kinect, he believes the lack of buttons leads to interface control issues.

So Train2Game, how do you see Kinect technology developing? How much will it improve in future? And to what extent could it change Game Design as we know it?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: CVG]

Molyneux: lack of buttons for Kinect causes problems

Posted on by
Reply

Peter Molyneux has admitted that there are problems with motion control, in comments that may be well supported by Train2Game students.

“I’ll admit that Kinect has got some problems. As an input device it has some real problems.” He told Gaming Union.

“Without a thumb stick, navigation is a real problem. You haven’t got any buttons, so ordering the player to do something can be somewhat of a problem” he continued. It’s a fair point that Train2Game Game Designers may have thought of too.

“But what Kinect does have is a great sense of freedom and emotion. So that’s what we’ve tried to do with Fable: The Journey.It started about seven months ago when Microsoft came to us and said, ‘Look we want you to do a [Kinect] experience for the core gamers” Molyneux added.

“So we sat down and thought through the problems with that, and the first thing was figuring out how we can make Kinect more engaging, more engrossing, and more emotional than any control-based game or any Fable game has ever been before.”

Microsoft are very keen to push Kinect, and as reported by the Train2Game blog, the motion controller featured heavily in their E3 presentation. Earlier this month, the Train2Game blog also reported that Microsoft say all first party titles will come with Kinect support in future.

Train2Game students may also like to be reminded that earlier this year, Molyneux stated that up and coming game developers – which of course includes those currently on Train2Game courses – should get more support from the industry.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Molyneux’s comments about Kinect? Does it show that the traditional controller still has a lot to offer?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Gaming Union via Develop]

All first party Xbox 360 titles to come with Kinect support

Posted on by
Reply

All first-party Xbox 360 titles will come with Kinect voice support in future.  That’s according to Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer who was speaking about the device.

Train2Game students can remind themselves about the Kinect heavy Microsoft E3 presentation here on the Train2Game blog.

“It’s not a mandate that everything we do in first-party has to support Kinect right now,” Spencer told GameSpot.

“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.”

He added that while adding Kinect doesn’t mean making huge differences to gameplay, but would make the whole experience better.

“Whether it’s voice in Forza or head-tracking in Forza, which you wouldn’t say is somehow turning the Forza gameplay experience on it’s head,” Spencer said.

“Rather, it’s just using the advantages of what Kinect brings to make the experience better. So I think there’s some specific examples where Kinect makes everything better.”

As reported by the Train2Game blog last year, Spencer said Kinect would become core to the Xbox 360 experience.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Spencer’s comments? Do you think Kinect support will change major Xbox 360 games? Do you think it needs to happen?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: GameSpot]

Train2Game forum user favourite Minecraft coming to Xbox 360, Kinect compatible

Posted on by
Reply

Train2Game forum user favourite, and testament to how successful indie games can now be, Minecraft is coming to the Xbox 360.

The news was confirmed at Microsoft’s E3 presentation, and you can read more about what else is coming for the Xbox 360 here on the Train2Game blog.

Meanwhile, Notch himself as confirmed some information about Minecraft on the Xbox 360. The title itself will be Kinect compatible, but as of yet there’s no specific information about how motion control will be implemented into one of Train2Game forum users favourite games. All that Notch says on the matter is:

“You will be able to play it without Kinect BUT WITH THE POWER OF KINECT YOU WILL FEEL CLOSER TO YOUR GAME THAN EVAR BEFORE AND ALSO IT SAVES KITTENS”

The Xbox 360 version of Minecraft is a separate project to the original, which Notch writes won’t be a straight port. A team of progammers from a studio separate to Mojang will be taking care of the Game Developer side of things, while Notch will be the Minecraft Xbox 360 Game Designer.

He also reaffirms his commitment to the PC, something many Train2Game students will be happy about.

Originally a PC title, as reported by the Train2Game blog Minecraft will also be heading to smartphones in future. The game – still officially in BETA testing – has been downloaded over 2 million times making developer Notch a multimillionaire.

For more information about Minecraft – as of Train2Game students need it! – see the Train2Game blog.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Minecraft for the Xbox 360? How do you think Kinect will be implemented? Does it interest you?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Reddit]

Train2Game E3 news: Microsoft goes Kinect heavy

Posted on by
Reply

Mass Effect 3 will have Kinect support

Microsoft’s two hour E3 presentation focused on a range of improvements and new uses for Kinect.

As previously reported by the Train2Game blog, the hands free motion controller broke the 10 million sales barriers in March.  Microsoft’s E3 conference shows their looking to both consolidate and increase this market with Kinect news for both hardcore games and more casual applications.

Massive upcoming titles including Mass Effect 3 will see Kinect integrated into gameplay with the use of voice recognition technology.  It’ll mostly be used for selecting dialogue during conversations, with the option of commanding squad mates too. Of course, Mass Effect 3 will still feature regular control.

The introduction of Kinect compatibility for Mass Effect 3 does two things; firstly it allows Microsoft to take a step towards bringing Kinect to a hardcore audience – the Bioware title is highly anticipated by Train2Game forum users – while the voice commands are step towards making gaming a more interactive experience.

Interestingly, the Train2Game blog reported in April that Kinect developer Rare believe that voice commands are the future. The future may be here with Mass Effect 3 is released next year.

Microsoft’s E3 conference also revealed that Ghost Recon: Future Soldier will be adding Kinect compatibility. Players will be using it to customise weapons and then test them on a virtual shooting range. It’ll be interesting to see how it works first hand, and then to see if’s implemented for the full-game. Again, it’s evidence of Microsoft attempting to bring Kinect to the hardcore.

Kinect Star Wars

However, in what may be disappointing news for Train2Game students, the Kinect Star Wars demo showed that it appears to be an on the rails game with a lightsaber instead of a gun – not the hardcore title many were looking for.

The press event also demonstrated that Microsoft are very much attempting to use Kinect to tap into the casual market that the Nintendo Wii has held for some time.  Kinect Disneyland Adventures, Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster, and Kinect Fun Labs all demonstrated a family friendly direction for Kinect. We also got more casual titles in the form of Kinect Sports 2 and Dance Central 2.

At least when it came to non-Kinect titles there was something for the hardcore gamer, with live demos of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Tomb Raider looking very impressive. It very much looks like the Train2Game blog is justified in listing Tomb Raider as one of the most anticipated games of the year. (That is, if it’s released this year. There’s no date yet)

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the Kinect heavy nature of the Microsoft presentation? Does it demonstrate Kinect is the future of the industry? Or are Microsoft just attempting to force it into as many titles as possible? How would you implement it into ‘hardcore’ games?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Microsoft to release Kinect Development tools for PC

Posted on by
Reply

Perhaps it’s the first step towards a current Train2Game student being able to develop motion control based games for the PC in future. In any case, Microsoft will be releasing Software Development Kits that’ll enable Kinect to be modified via PC.

The intent of releasing a “starter kit” for application developers is to make it easier for academic research and enthusiast communities to create different experiences using the Kinect technology.

The starter kit will give academic researchers and enthusiasts access to deep Kinect system capabilities such as audio, system APIs, and direct control of the sensor.  The Kinect Development tools will be released in the Spring, but there is no word on a commercial version as of yet.

Perhaps this’ll eventually lead to an official Star Wars lightsaber game for the Kinect! Although last year, one Sony Engineer claimed that the Microsoft motion controller wouldn’t be suited to such a game. You can read his comments in full here on the Train2Game blog.

Kinect offers the games industry another opportunity to push the boundries of Game Design, so Train2Game students may find it useful to take an interest in the development tools for the PC.

Last month it was revealed that 42% of all Kinect Games sold are made here in the UK.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Kinect development tools being released for the PC? Do you think it’ll lead to revolutionary new ways to play games? Or do you believe that there’s no need to develop motion control for the PC?

As usual, you can leave your thoughts here on the Train2Game blog or on the Train2Game forum. You can also let us know what you think the Train2Game Twitter.

Train2Game, in association with DR Studios and the University of Bedfordshire, will be holding a Game Jam at the end of March. For more information, see the official Train2Game Game Jam website or the Train2Game Game Jam Facebook page. Alternatively, keep an eye on the Train2Game Game Jam Twitter account.

Michael Phelps swimming game for Kinect revealed

Posted on by
Reply

Push The Limit Train2Game blog image

Many Train2Game students have a desire to push the boundaries of Game Design in the future, so may take an interest in the newly announced swimming game for Xbox 360’s Kinect.

Publisher 505 Games will be producing the first ever controller free swimming game and are being helped by multiple Olympic Gold Medal winner Michael Phelps who was motion captured for it.

The Xbox 360 exclusive title will be called Michael Phelps: Push the Limit will help players learn advanced swimming techniques. The Blitz Games developed title is expected to be released in June.

505 Games describe Michael Phelps: Push the Limit as “one of the most realistic and intense sports simulation video games ever” and “the first controller-free swimming experience to capture your true movements and translate them into accurate gameplay”

Speaking about the game Phelps said:

“Push the Limit is a fun, innovative, and physical way to game that is complete with elements that will challenge serious gamers, swimmers and casual fans,”

“I’m really excited to help bring a one-of-a-kind swimming video game to the market that is reflective of my competitive nature and passion for swimming. This definitely isn’t your typical video game; much like my training in the pool, Push the Limit is about improving and  mastering every race element – from controlling your adrenaline on the block to perfectly timing your finish

“In my world, it takes a lifetime of dedication to get one-hundredth of a second ahead and I believe Push the Limit offers players a unique journey inside swimming that will challenge themselves as much as their in-game competitors.”

505 president Ian Howe added: “It is an honour for myself and everyone here at 505 to work with Michael Phelps, a truly transcendent athlete who has brought unprecedented glory to competitive swimming.

“His guidance and feedback have proven invaluable to the development process, and in-game he will mentor players in their journey from an unknown challenger to a powerful swimmer capable of beating the best in the world.”

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Michael Phelps: Push the Limit? Do you think it’s an innovative new way of using Kinect?  Will people buy a swimming game? And which sports do you think would make for an interesting new Kinect game?

As usual, you can leave your thoughts here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum. Alternatively you can tweet us.

Train2Game, in association with DR Studios and the University of Bedfordshire, will be holding a Game Jam at the end of March. For more information, see this Train2Game blog post or the Train2Game Game Jam Facebook page. Alternatively, keep an eye on the Train2Game Game Jam Twitter account.

Train2Game student favourite the Xbox 360 celebrates 5th birthday

Posted on by
Reply

Xbox 360s

One of the most popular gaming platforms amongst students on the Train2Game forum celebrates a big milestone today. Yes, the Xbox 360 console has turned five years old in the UK, one week after it reached the grand old age in the United States.

Of course, Microsoft UK has used the occasion to big up the console:

“From the beloved Xbox 360 Arcade, Pro and Elite models of yore through numerous special editions, holiday bundles and the advent of Xbox LIVE, to the sleek new 250GB and 4GB models of 2010, Xbox has morphed into a true entertainment powerhouse, successfully delivering an amazing array of gaming, movie, music and TV experiences to millions of owners here in the UK and around the world”

Of course, Train2Game students will have already known that the Xbox 360 does all of the above! Microsoft has also listed what they see as milestones of the Xbox 360 over the last five years:

  • Xbox 360 unveils gaming with HD graphics, achievements and more in 2005. Blockbusters games on the system include Halo, Gears of War, Forza Motorsport and Fable.
  • New Xbox Experience in 2008 introduces Xbox LIVE Party, personalized Avatars and a streamlined dashboard that puts  movies, music and games at the players finger tips
  • In 2009, Xbox LIVE Gold members can stream live TV from Sky, watch movies in stunning 1080p HD video with Zune Video, listen to all their favourite music on Last.fm, and connect with friends on both Facebook and Twitter
  • And in 2010, Kinect for Xbox 360 delivers an entirely new way to play. Kinect for Xbox 360 delivers controller-free gaming.

Perhaps Train2Game students have different favourite moments to Microsoft?

More than 45 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold worldwide, and Kinect has been selling strongly since its launch with 2.5 million having been purchased by consumers. The launch of Kinect also doubled sales of Xbox 360 consoles here in the UK, so there are plenty of new gamers’ experiencing the console for the first time, even five years after its release!

“Families are looking for more value than ever this Christmas and looking to stretch their money,” said Stephen McGill, Director of Xbox and Entertainment, UK & Ireland.

“An Xbox 360 console and Kinect can bring everyone together this season and entertain every single member of the family, from kids to grandparents. And with Kinect for Xbox 360, all you need is your voice, hands and body to jump into the controller-free fun.”

So Train2Game, what are your favourite Xbox 360 moments over the past five years? If your console is all the way back from 2005, does it still work? And what are your favourite Xbox 360 games?

As usual, you can leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Kinect sales pass over 2.5 million

Posted on by
Reply

Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360

Microsoft has announced that 2.5 million Kinect units for the Xbox 360 have been sold since it was launched worldwide 25 days ago.

That means in the two weeks since Microsoft revealed one million Kinect devices had been sold in its first ten days on sale, 1.5 million more motion controllers for the Xbox 360 have been purchased by consumers. The numbers mean that Microsoft are close to beating their initial sales target of three million by the end of the year, and could reach the revised target number of five million.

“We are thrilled about the consumer response to Kinect, and are working hard with our retail and manufacturing partners to expedite production and shipments of Kinect to restock shelves as fast as possible to keep up with demand,” said Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft.

“With sales already exceeding two and a half million units in just 25 days, we are on pace to reach our forecast of 5 million units sold to consumers this holiday.”

“Kinect on Xbox 360 was a top performer at Target this weekend,” said Nik Nayar, VP of merchandising at the US retailer. “We expect Kinect will be a must-have gift this holiday season, so Target will continue to receive consistent shipments of Kinect throughout December.”

Microsoft’s Kinect for Xbox 360 is now available at over 60,000 retailers in 38 countries, and its launch helped double Xbox 360 console sales in the UK.

However, not everyone has positive things to say about Kinect, with a Sony engineer recently claiming that the Xbox 360 device isn’t capable of handling a good Star Wars lightsaber game. But with sales going so well, it’s unlikely Microsoft will be too bothered by the comments.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the sales numbers for Kinect? Are you surprised to see it selling so well? Do you think that ‘hardcore’ Xbox 360 gamers are buying the device, or is it the more ‘casual’ fans that are boosting sales? And can Microsoft reach five million Kinect sales by Christmas?

You can have your thoughts about Kinect for the Xbox 360 here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Kinect can’t do a good lightsaber game says Sony engineer

Posted on by
3

Lightsaber battle

The man behind the PlayStation Eye thinks the upcoming Star Wars game for Kinect won’t be up to much.

SCEE Software Engineer Anton Mikhailov told Eurogamer that “There’s no way Kinect can do a good lightsaber game”.

And while Sony and Lucasarts have yet to announce a Star Wars compatable game for the PlayStation move, Mikhailov boldly claims “It’ll be damn better than Kinect’s.”

When asked about the possibility of a PlayStation Move Star Wars game, the SCEE Software Engineer replied: “I’m not in the product planning division so unfortunately I can’t tell you much more about that, but technologically it’s 100 per cent feasible.

“We can overlay objects over the controller in AR. You’ve seen that in Start the Party, and swords are a really popular one. The fidelity is certainly there to do all sorts of Star Wars kid-style action. You can very well do the lightsaber.”

He went on:

I’m usually not very aggressive, but I will say it’ll [Move’s Star Wars game] be damn better than Kinect could ever do.

“There’s no way Kinect can do a good lightsaber game. Just never. Unless they give you a stick. If they give you a stick then they can do OK, but then they’re going to ruin their whole no controller motto.

“I’ve seen the demo but it’s so scripted, and wasn’t it like, faked?

“Technologically I find it hard how you can do a lightsaber, because there are so many ambiguities, and it’s nearly impossible to track the angles of your wrists.

“I can sort of see them doing it, like hold your hands together and move like this [holds them out in front of his body], and then from the x, y, position and for the angle. If anyone’s listening, you guys should try that. That would probably work all right.”

Earlier this month, Sony said that the PlayStation Move has greatly exceeded expectations.

So Train2Game, what do you think about the Sony mans comments? Is he right? Is the PlayStation Move naturally more suited to the motion control required for swinging a lightsaber around? Or is this just pure trolling of Microsoft and the Xbox 360?

You can leave your thoughts on a PlayStation Move Star Wars game here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.