The Nielsen Company has released the results of a recent survey designed to gauge gamer awareness of Microsoft's Project Natal and Sony's PlayStation Move. Among the 2,400 gamers surveyed, 21 percent are currently aware of Natal, while 23 percent are aware of the Move. Things look a little better when restricting the results to those who actually own and play the 360 or PS3, with 39 percent of 360 gamers aware of Natal and 42 percent of PS3 gamers aware of the Move.
Of the gamers aware of the Move and Natal, those who actually own the respective console show more intent to purchase. 42 percent of 360 owners plan to purchase Natal, compared to only 35 percent of total gamers aware of the device. PS3 owners show a nearly identical 41 percent with intent to purchase, compared to 28 percent of all those aware. Strangely, even though both Natal and Move have publicly known launch windows, a surprisingly high number of respondents -- nearly 40 percent -- don't know when the products will be available.
Also noteworthy, respondents show a wide disparity as to what they believe the hardware prices will be. To the 6 percent who think Natal will be less than $25: you're going to be disappointed.
Reader Comments (52)
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:33PM Shagittarius said
I don't understand does Natal only work with the lights turn off?
Reply
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:41PM Wiizer said
@Shagittarius
Here's the problem with Natal that I have just realized thanks to the jiggling columnists over at Parade Magazine:
You have to teach people how to use Natal, and this is the reason it will fail where the Wii succeeded and where I think the Move will mildly have some success.
When casual gamers thin of video games, they automatically think of some type of controller association. With Natal, consumers are being told 'they have no limits' or 'the camera catches every movement they make'!
This is not true. Natal, like any other motion device, tracks certain elements of your body (hinges of appendages, etc.). When you tell someone that Natal is going to copy every move you make and it doesn't work, how can that not be perceived as marketing an experience that really isn't happening for the consumer? Whether it's Natal's fault or in reality, it's the consumer's perception of how Natal should work...
Reply
Here's the problem with Natal that I have just realized thanks to the jiggling columnists over at Parade Magazine:
You have to teach people how to use Natal, and this is the reason it will fail where the Wii succeeded and where I think the Move will mildly have some success.
When casual gamers thin of video games, they automatically think of some type of controller association. With Natal, consumers are being told 'they have no limits' or 'the camera catches every movement they make'!
This is not true. Natal, like any other motion device, tracks certain elements of your body (hinges of appendages, etc.). When you tell someone that Natal is going to copy every move you make and it doesn't work, how can that not be perceived as marketing an experience that really isn't happening for the consumer? Whether it's Natal's fault or in reality, it's the consumer's perception of how Natal should work...
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 6:59PM (Unverified) said
What Wiizer has said about joints and movements is true. Will it fail because of this? I don't know, but I hope that's one of many reasons. I don't mind new ideas, but I prefer tactile input. Even the iPhone's keyboard annoys me.
Reply
Posted: Jun 12th 2010 1:58AM Black3skimo said
@Shagittarius I've been wondering the same thing?
Reply
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:37PM 2Slick said
I'd be impressed with those percentages considering neither have officially begun their marketing yet, and even more so for Natal - considering it doesn't have an official name.
Those percentages are only going to increase from here on out. E3, Christmas sales push, introductory marketing blitz - especially Sony - all will push the numbers much higher.
Reply
Those percentages are only going to increase from here on out. E3, Christmas sales push, introductory marketing blitz - especially Sony - all will push the numbers much higher.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:45PM BrokenTriforce said
@2Slick
Perhaps more people will lose interest when they find out how much these will cost.
Reply
Perhaps more people will lose interest when they find out how much these will cost.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 6:26PM SuzanoSho the drug dealer PSN Sm said
@2Slick
Percentages are have numbers....
Reply
Percentages are have numbers....
Posted: Jun 12th 2010 12:12AM BlingOnMyWrist said
@2Slick I do believe that it will officially be named "Wave".
Reply
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 7:45PM SimonSan D said
@The Flash I'll make sure to bring a proper camera next time, don't worry
http://www.walyou.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/the-flash-iphone-ipad-spoof.jpg
Reply
http://www.walyou.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/the-flash-iphone-ipad-spoof.jpg
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 6:22PM FredFredrickson said
Eh, I don't think Natal will require any more teaching than Wii or Move will. After all, it's virtually the same thing, but minus the wand.
People might be a lot more willing to try Natal for this difference, however. If Move doesn't come with really good software, it's just going to make the PS3 look like an expensive Wii - and since there's already millions of those units out there among consumers, I think something a little different from that might be more successful.
I think there might be a perceived complexity about it because the system works so differently, but to me, the idea seems pretty intuitive, and I'm sure that each game / demo will have a smattering of visuals pre-action to show the player how to use the game, much like tutorials or button layouts in controller-based games.
I imagine these numbers will change a bit in the next week during E3. I don't see much success in the motion arena for Sony or Microsoft unless they can roll out their respective controls at reasonable price points and with compelling experiences.
Reply
People might be a lot more willing to try Natal for this difference, however. If Move doesn't come with really good software, it's just going to make the PS3 look like an expensive Wii - and since there's already millions of those units out there among consumers, I think something a little different from that might be more successful.
I think there might be a perceived complexity about it because the system works so differently, but to me, the idea seems pretty intuitive, and I'm sure that each game / demo will have a smattering of visuals pre-action to show the player how to use the game, much like tutorials or button layouts in controller-based games.
I imagine these numbers will change a bit in the next week during E3. I don't see much success in the motion arena for Sony or Microsoft unless they can roll out their respective controls at reasonable price points and with compelling experiences.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:41PM BrokenTriforce said
Motion controls can be fun for many games, but I don't think they'll ever completely replace the traditional joypad. There does need to be a line drawn on the devs' part though. Some games DON'tT need waggle at all, while others should have an option for motion control or joypad input.
Reply
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:46PM BrokenTriforce said
@TheSaiyan
I'll fully accept motion controls as a viable means of video game input when they finally invent a Holo-deck.
Reply
I'll fully accept motion controls as a viable means of video game input when they finally invent a Holo-deck.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:46PM Shadowbender said
Well, it would seem that there's a bigger hardcore audience on the PS3, which I could believe...Am i right? Or am I stereotyping? I mean, as a hardcore gamer myself, I have all three systems, as do a lot of the core, but this survey might put this in perspective of which console holds the most hardcore...
Reply
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:49PM BrokenTriforce said
@Shadowbender
The term "hardcore gamer" is losing it's intended meaning. Consider the fact that there are people who play Farmville and the like far beyond 8 hours daily.
Reply
The term "hardcore gamer" is losing it's intended meaning. Consider the fact that there are people who play Farmville and the like far beyond 8 hours daily.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:57PM Shadowbender said
@Shadowbender
People who play Farmville for a long period of time are anything but hardcore, and it's ridiculous if and others think they are. My definition of hardcore: People who are constantly up to date on the video game industry, people who voice their opinion on the industry and games (online public, or both), and people who consistently play quality games on a console or PC.
Reply
People who play Farmville for a long period of time are anything but hardcore, and it's ridiculous if and others think they are. My definition of hardcore: People who are constantly up to date on the video game industry, people who voice their opinion on the industry and games (online public, or both), and people who consistently play quality games on a console or PC.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:57PM Shagittarius said
@Shadowbender
Playing a single game obsessively doesn't make you hard core. Hard core gamers play lots of different games, usually to completion as well as spend more time playing games.
Reply
Playing a single game obsessively doesn't make you hard core. Hard core gamers play lots of different games, usually to completion as well as spend more time playing games.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 6:07PM BrokenTriforce said
@Shadowbender
quote=dictionary.com
"hard-core
/ˈhɑrdˈkɔr, -ˈkoʊr/ Show Spelled[hahrd-kawr, -kohr] Show IPA
–adjective
1.
unswervingly committed; uncompromising; dedicated: a hard-core segregationist. "
/quote
Reply
quote=dictionary.com
"hard-core
/ˈhɑrdˈkɔr, -ˈkoʊr/ Show Spelled[hahrd-kawr, -kohr] Show IPA
–adjective
1.
unswervingly committed; uncompromising; dedicated: a hard-core segregationist. "
/quote
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 6:13PM Shagittarius said
@Shadowbender
Ok fine they are hardcore Farmville players, but not hardcore gamers.
Reply
Ok fine they are hardcore Farmville players, but not hardcore gamers.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:48PM Wickerman22 said
Well, I've certainly been aware of it, but I consider myself a hardcore gamer and I don't care about this sort of stuff.
In my opinion this is simply MS and Sony's attempt to capture the casual kiddie, family, and retirement home audience that the Wii has captured and obviously seen enormous success with.
Bought a Wii on launch day, but sold it pretty quick. Just not my thing.
Reply
In my opinion this is simply MS and Sony's attempt to capture the casual kiddie, family, and retirement home audience that the Wii has captured and obviously seen enormous success with.
Bought a Wii on launch day, but sold it pretty quick. Just not my thing.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:50PM BrokenTriforce said
@(Unverified)
Man, IDK. I've had some really dumbass customers.
Reply
Man, IDK. I've had some really dumbass customers.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:59PM tenacioustoaster said
@meeekael I bet you those people were under the impression that their vote would effect the price.
Reply
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:52PM Misfit Toy said
Some people thought the prices would be below $25...seriously?!?
Reply
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 5:53PM Windmill said
I am personally surprised that Natal is known about less than the Playstation Move, perhaps its because Sony has been running those ads on TV?
I myself am in the camp of knowing pretty much there is to know about the Playstation Move, with definite intent to purchase. Really really hoping for some good, hardcore games.
Reply
I myself am in the camp of knowing pretty much there is to know about the Playstation Move, with definite intent to purchase. Really really hoping for some good, hardcore games.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 6:01PM Shadowbender said
@(Unverified)
I've had those EXACT same situations. I have friends who are gamers, but aren't necessarily hardcore, and I tell them about all of this news. Next year, when it's been publicized more, they come to me, exhilarated and tell me about this awesome new thing they saw. And then I casually, but angrily reply, "Yep, told you about that nearly a year ago, friend." So annoying...
Reply
I've had those EXACT same situations. I have friends who are gamers, but aren't necessarily hardcore, and I tell them about all of this news. Next year, when it's been publicized more, they come to me, exhilarated and tell me about this awesome new thing they saw. And then I casually, but angrily reply, "Yep, told you about that nearly a year ago, friend." So annoying...
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 6:15PM kenny goo said
Let's hope Microsoft takes note of a survey like this when deciding what to price that piece of shit. Seriously, they ripped all the dedicated hardware out of it and require a decent chuck of the 360's processing power in order to run it. What could even make this thing cost more then $50?
As for Move, it's the Wii I wanted back when it was announced at E3 all those years ago, but they gotta get the software support for it for me to go buy it. $100 for the controller, the PS Eye, and a game isn't actually all that bad, but the software across all their games has really gotta be there for this.
Reply
As for Move, it's the Wii I wanted back when it was announced at E3 all those years ago, but they gotta get the software support for it for me to go buy it. $100 for the controller, the PS Eye, and a game isn't actually all that bad, but the software across all their games has really gotta be there for this.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 6:33PM BronzGot the BLOWGUN said
everyone knows NATAL is going to cost more that 100 clams......and thats not fanboyism....its the truth......
Reply
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 6:41PM BlackedOut said
@ChuckBartowski
Not really.
We haven't had an announcement for a year.
Move has had dev diaries, we've seen a few games. They had a hands-on on the engadget show a few weeks back.
Give it 2 days and ask me again.
Reply
Not really.
We haven't had an announcement for a year.
Move has had dev diaries, we've seen a few games. They had a hands-on on the engadget show a few weeks back.
Give it 2 days and ask me again.
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 7:09PM MrBossmanJr said
Everyone talks about how ps3's move is just a wii remote copy but isn't microsoft's natal just an advanced ps2 eyetoy copy.
Reply
Posted: Jun 11th 2010 9:12PM R Planteer said
@(Unverified) Its an eyetoy camera + infared camera+ microphone+ motorized movement+ software that lets it do face/body part recognition. (i.e., it knows the difference between a persons arm and their leg)
So, no.
Reply
So, no.
Posted: Jun 12th 2010 5:18AM MrBossmanJr said
So it is an advanced version of an eyetoy.
(i.e., it knows the difference between a persons arm and their leg)
Think about what you just said.
Reply
(i.e., it knows the difference between a persons arm and their leg)
Think about what you just said.
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