Joystiq

Mad Genius break-apart motion controller is for the serious Skyrim sniper

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 13 May 2013 21:00:00 EST

Split controller designs are nothing new. We've seen them implemented by third parties such as SplitFish and, of course, major players - Nintendo's Wii Remote and Nunchuk, and Sony's PS Move and Navigation Controller. Now, Mad Genius is looking to up the ante with its new break-apart motion controller.

Mad Genius says the controller is capable of tracking movements as minute as 1/100 of an inch. A video demonstrates the controller being used in an unmodified version of Skyrim on Xbox 360, tracking the player's body movement to make the character move in the game world. A more practical application is splitting the controller apart to aim and fire a bow in-game.

Holding the two halves like a bow and arrow, the game automatically equips and begins aiming the bow. The control is so fine, according to Mad Genius, that players will actually have to hold their breath to steady their shots, lest a tiny movement knock them off target.

The motion-tracking system will work with any game on any platform, including even outmoded platforms such as the original PlayStation (though it's not clear how you would actually connect the two together). Mad Genius is planning to launch a Kickstarter to fund the final version of the controller, which will be wireless and, presumably, a bit sleeker.

Mad Genius break-apart motion controller is for the serious Skyrim sniper originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attach more things to your head with Oculus Rift sensor, camera clips

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST

Oculus Rift dev kits have been out in the wild for just under a month and the gameplay videos and mods keep trickling in. The latest mod comes for the hardware itself, two clips to add extra motion sensors or cameras to the back or front of the headset, both 3D-printed. Hackaday's Caleb Kraft designed and printed the attachments, one for extra, heavier sensors that threads through the flexible strap on the back of the Oculus Rift, and one that snaps right onto the front of the system, mainly for cameras.

"While browsing an Oculus Rift thread on Reddit, I saw someone mention how nice it would be to have some actual mounts for external sensors on their Rift," Kraft writes. "The idea is that adding additional sensors or cameras will allow us to expand the capabilities of the Rift."

The Oculus Rift attachment designs are available for free for other 3D printing and VR headset aficionados via Makerbot's Thingiverse.

Attach more things to your head with Oculus Rift sensor, camera clips originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seen@GDC: Playground games

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST

Die Gute Fabrik lead designer Douglas Wilson is comfortable asking people to make fools of themselves, as he demonstrated during his panel at GDC on Friday, "Three Folk Games To Inspire Radical New Video Games." Wilson emphasized the impact that physical, playground games can have on modern video game development, bringing players together outside of the screen. They certainly influenced Wilson's convention-famous motion game, Johann Sebastian Joust.

Wilson asked for volunteers from the audience to step on stage and play three games that influenced Joust: Standoff, Listelanse and the Danish Clapping Game. See a handful of eager audience members hitting themselves and dueling with wooden spoons in the gallery below, and read more about each game after the break.

Gallery: Die Gute Fabrik (GDC 2013)

Continue reading Seen@GDC: Playground games

Seen@GDC: Playground games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft startup incubator yields real-world Kinect ideas

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST

Microsoft's Kinect accelerator program, furnished by entrepreneurship incubator TechStars, recently gave 11 teams 13 weeks and $20,000 each to polish their motion-sensing ideas and present them to a team of investors this Thursday in Seattle. The startups range from a system that allows surgeons to navigate MRI and CT scans in the operating room, to an in-store camera system that tracks shoppers' behavior. Another turns any surface into a 3D, multi-touch screen for Windows.

Many of the startup ideas offer an attempt to bring Kinect into the wider, physical world, rather than limit it to living rooms and virtual baby tigers. Of the final creations, three are made for the medical field, four are based in tracking or innovating consumer behavior, two are animation-based, one can help athletes train and one is that awesome 3D surface app.

Microsoft is accepting applications for its fall 2012 accelerator class, Windows Azure and cloud-based startups, right here. Below check out the full descriptions of all 11 entrants, as provided by Microsoft.

Continue reading Microsoft startup incubator yields real-world Kinect ideas

Microsoft startup incubator yields real-world Kinect ideas originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Newcastle University neuroscientists use video game for stroke rehab

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 20 May 2012 21:00:00 EST

Video games aren't neuroscience, unless they're helping stroke victims recover physical function in a scientific, medical capacity: then they're totally neuroscience. The above video shows off Circus Challenge, an action game from Newcastle University and Limbs Alive Ltd designed to help stroke patients regain motor control of their weakened hands and arms.

Circus Challenge uses "next-gen" motion controllers - not the Wii, as other rehab systems have - to have patients fling pies at clowns, juggle, dive and perform other Big Top-inspired feats, with the difficulty progressing as motor skills improve. Newcastle received £1.5 million from the Health Innovation Challenge Fund for its project, and hopes to use the funds to provide remotely monitored, at-home therapy for stroke patients.

Aside from all the philanthropy and innovation in the Circus Challenge project, we think the game design is pretty pretty as well. Check it out for yourself up top.

Newcastle University neuroscientists use video game for stroke rehab originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take a tour of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13's Kinect functionality

David Hinkle — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:45:00 EST

Ever since Kinect was announced, we've wondered why EA has taken its sweet time to implement the tech in its Tiger Woods PGA Tour series. Why fake-golf with a controller when you could fake-golf as the controller, right? Finally, Kinect comes to the series in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13.

A series of vignettes shows off some of the Kinect features, from the obvious such as miming a golf swing, to the more impressive like using voice and hand gestures to set up shot approach. Another video after the break shows Tiger fiddling with Kinect in an earlier build of the game -- turns out being amazing at golf in real life doesn't necessarily guarantee success in-game, as you can see when Tiger slices a shot into a bunker right off the green.

Gallery: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13 (Kinect Integration)

Continue reading Take a tour of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13's Kinect functionality

Take a tour of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13's Kinect functionality originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Portal 2 Sixense DLC -- and actual Hydra controllers -- available from Steam

JC Fletcher — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST

If you're excited about both motion controls and Portal 2 -- or you're so eager for more Portal 2 content that you're willing to pay $140 for it -- the new "Sixense Motion Pack" DLC is available for download on Steam, including six new levels that feature stretchable blocks.

Of course, you need the Razer Hydra motion controller device itself to be able to play this content. And you can get that through Steam, as well. No, really. You can order a controller through Steam. Who knew? The controller comes with the DLC and a free copy of Portal 2. Which you'll likely be giving away, if you're the Portal-crazed person we mentioned at the top of the post.

[Thanks, Jason G.!]

Portal 2 Sixense DLC -- and actual Hydra controllers -- available from Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Magic Pixel Games formed by THQ, EA, Activision vets

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST

Though some companies are characterized as being chock-full of "movers and shakers," we can't think of a company more deserving of the phrase than the newly formed development studio Magic Pixel Games. According to the developer's press release announcement, the team is composed of THQ, Electronic Arts and Activision veterans, including Boom Blox lead engineer Jeff Dixon and senior development director Mark Tsai. The announcement adds that the team possesses an "unparalleled grasp of human motion and physics to create unforgettable motion gaming experiences on console platforms."

What does that mean? Well, it probably means that Magic Pixel's first big title is going to incorporate some kind of motion controller. What else does it mean? It means that everyone knows there knows how to physically move their own bodies, which is a handy skill for any living being. More specific details about their upcoming projects should surface soon -- the press release also promises that Magic Pixel's debut title will launch this holiday season.

Continue reading Magic Pixel Games formed by THQ, EA, Activision vets

Magic Pixel Games formed by THQ, EA, Activision vets originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinect Hacks: Invade space to control Space Invaders

Mike Schramm — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:00:00 EST

Space Invaders is a classic arcade title, presenting a simple premise and an almost infinite progression system. But there's just one thing needed to make it perfect. According to coder Derrgis, who created this version for the ElectroShock Festival, it's motion controls with Kinect.

Continue reading Kinect Hacks: Invade space to control Space Invaders

Kinect Hacks: Invade space to control Space Invaders originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Move creator suggests Sony won't abandon traditional controllers

Randy Nelson — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:10:00 EST

The chances that the PlayStation 4 will ship with a Move-like motion controller instead of traditional gamepad got a little slimmer, thanks to an interview with Sony R&D wizard Dr. Richard Marks. "I said that pretty much from the beginning that we're not trying to get rid of the gamepad," he told Gamasutra, saying of the idea that Sony might go motion-only for PS4: "I don't think that makes sense."

"The gamepad is a really good abstract device," Marks explained. "It can map to so many different things. It doesn't map one-to-one to those things, but it doesn't need to for a lot of game experiences."

Of course, Marks is no doubt tinkering on some future iteration of the Move technology, but there's one gameplay interface he apparently has no interest in exploring: brain waves. "I think the brain interface thing is too far," he admitted when the topic was broached. "When you play some of the experiences like Rock Band where you break into a sweat playing the drums, those things are good. I like those things. I don't want to remove all of that."

PlayStation Move creator suggests Sony won't abandon traditional controllers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 3DS originally lacked 3D and tilt controls

JC Fletcher — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:45:00 EST

Even though Nintendo has been experimenting with 3D for years, and working on the DS successor for years, the two ideas weren't always connected. Speaking to Famitsu, 3DS hardware producer Hideki Konno revealed that early versions of the hardware were designed without 3D in mind.

"I became involved with development starting in 2008, but at that time, it didn't have 3D visuals," Konno said. "From Nintendo's perspective, they've released [3D racing game for Famicom] 3D Hot Rally and the Virtual Boy; they've had a history of experimenting with 3D visuals." With the advent of glasses-free screens, Nintendo decided this would be a good time to try again.

The same is true of the gyroscopic motion sensor. It was added just before E3. " The boat had really left the port by that point -- the hardware team had the final specs and just had to work it all out," Konno told Famitsu. "Then, in the midst of that, Miyamoto said 'This isn't enough; we can really change things if there's a gyro sensor in there.'" After playing with a prototype gyro-enhanced DS, Konno agreed. "We had a prototype for the sensor already, so we got everyone together to try it out, and the conclusion we came up with was 'Well, if we can do things this fun with it, I guess we've got no choice.'"

The 3DS originally lacked 3D and tilt controls originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox Engineering blog explains how Kinect works

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:40:00 EST

So, remember all those times that you asked us how the Kinect manages to identify your human form and adapt it into an in-game Avatar? Remember how we told you that it did so with "robot magic?" We may have been a little off-base with that one -- the Xbox Engineering blog recently posted a full explanation of the all-seeing eye's actual inner workings in a manner simplistic enough for even technophobic cavemen such as ourselves to understand.

The post also gives a little insight into the trial-and-error development of Kinect. It sounds like it was a pretty fascinating process -- though apparently the dev team didn't even think to incorporate robot magic, which, in our opinion, seems like a pretty major oversight.

Xbox Engineering blog explains how Kinect works originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PrimeSense and Asus announce Kinect-style device for living room PCs

JC Fletcher — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:45:00 EST

PrimeSense, the company that created the motion-sensing technology for Kinect, has teamed up with Asus to create a new controller-free interaction device -- this time for PC. The WAVI Xtion device is designed to enable gesture control of media center PCs in living rooms. It's similar to Kinect in a few ways, but focused on the multimedia control features instead of the game stuff.

There might still be games and other assorted programs: sometime after the Q2 launch, Asus will open an "Xtion Online Store" through which developers can sell apps designed in the Xtion PRO platform. The PRO development technology will be released in February. The WAVI Xtion device itself will be unveiled during CES, which runs from January 6 to 9.

Update: PrimeSense issued a correction regarding the linked press release. The line "The WAVI Xtion media center for the PC leverages ultra-wide band wireless link and PrimeSense 3D sensing solution to provide controller-free interaction experiences in the living room" should read "The WAVI Xtion media center for the PC leverages wireless HDMI technology and PrimeSense 3D motion sensor technology to provide controller-free experiences in the living room."

PrimeSense and Asus announce Kinect-style device for living room PCs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alan Wake dev seeking programmer, motion control know-how a plus

Randy Nelson — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:03:00 EST

Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind Max Payne and, most recently, Alan Wake, is on the hunt for some new talent to add to its ranks -- including a programmer that will preferably have "experience on motion-control technology (e.g. Kinect)." While it's entirely possible that the developer simply wants someone on staff who has mad Dance Central skills, the more likely motivation would be that it's looking to be prepared for when (or if) it decides to develop a game that incorporates motion controls.

We're going to suggest that Remedy give this guy a ring. That is, if the company gets tapped to make a Star Wars title that will let players project holograms of themselves into it and bark orders at Lord Vader, Emperor style.

Alan Wake dev seeking programmer, motion control know-how a plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harmonix details design process behind Dance Central's Kinect UI

Mike Schramm — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:30:00 EST

Creating a functional user interface through Kinect can't be an easy task -- how do you make waving your arms around mean something, after all? Harmonix was confronted with exactly this problem in developing Dance Central, and judging by reviews, the developer figured it out just fine.

So what's the secret? The team had to actually teach players how to gesture, using visual and even aural feedback in the game when players got it right. Developer Ryan Challinor told the Montreal International Games Summit this week that in testing, player swipes varied widely across both speed and position, and so the final solution was to make the players react to the game, rather than programming the game to react to the players.

A few different solutions were prototyped, however, including the utilization of a cursor, which was dragged around the screen and planted in "notches" to choose the game's songs or options. The team also tried to get players to interact in 3D space, either "pushing" on virtual buttons or "grabbing" and pulling a scroll wheel around. In the end, Challinor said, simply iterating these ideas was the key to solving the Kinect conundrum: The team implemented idea after idea, and then polished the one that worked best.

Of course, not every development team responsible for the first batch of Kinect games took this approach. At least one studio seemingly went with its first idea, and then made it as raw as possible.

Harmonix details design process behind Dance Central's Kinect UI originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heavy Rain patches in Move support September 22

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

PS3's atmospheric adventure game Heavy Rain will receive a free patch on September 22 to support the Move peripheral. The PlayStation Blog notes the patch will download automatically when users start the game, adding actions that "mimic real-world motions" -- like knocking on doors (pictured). For those interested in experiencing this, you'll have to pick up the Move controller on September 19.

The PSN will also add a Heavy Rain Move demo on September 28, featuring two of the early levels in the game. As the update is all about adding Move support, don't expect a pronunciation patch for "ore-A-gammy killer."

Gallery: Heavy Rain Move Edition

Heavy Rain patches in Move support September 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kevin Butler shows us the epic side of PlayStation Move

David Hinkle — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST

Sony, here's an idea: just let Kevin Butler control your entire company. Seriously, Sir Howard Stringer is a great guy and all, don't get us wrong -- we've been up plenty of nights bawling our eyes out while he cradled us in his big, burly arms, assuring us that the PS3 would in fact be okay -- but Kevin Butler has proven in his latest ad that he's more than capable for the job.

Just look at the image above and tell us the guy isn't CEO material. Heck, even better: watch the new PlayStation Move ad for yourself past the break and try to tell us it isn't the highlight of your day!

Continue reading Kevin Butler shows us the epic side of PlayStation Move

Kevin Butler shows us the epic side of PlayStation Move originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Steel 2 director unsure on Kinect, Move potential

Kyle Orland — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

In developing Red Steel 2, Ubisoft Creative Director Jason VanderBerge learned quite a bit about Nintendo's optional Wii MotionPlus accessory (and how people use it). So he seemed like a good person to ask about the potential of Sony and Microsoft's impending motion control accessories, the Move and Kinect. When we did just that, catching up with VanderBerge after his talk at GDC Europe this week, he was a bit ambivalent about the subject.

Continue reading Red Steel 2 director unsure on Kinect, Move potential

Red Steel 2 director unsure on Kinect, Move potential originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Kung-Fu Live trailer fights for your attention

JC Fletcher — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:45:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

If you punch and kick the air while you watch this trailer for Kung-Fu Live (after the break) -- and if you happen to look exactly like the guy in the trailer -- it'll be just like playing it! The latest video of Virtual Air Guitar Company's PlayStation Eye-based brawler demonstrates the fighting abilities, otherworldly powers, and even storyline integration that you'll be able to experience by simply standing in front of your TV.

In a lengthy PlayStation Blog post accompanying the trailer, Virtual Air Guitar Company's Teemu revealed a weird multiplayer feature, in which up to four players can use PlayStation controllers to fight against the player using the camera, presumably with the unstated goal of making him or her pass out from exhaustion.

Continue reading New Kung-Fu Live trailer fights for your attention

New Kung-Fu Live trailer fights for your attention originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Crisis comes to PS3 with Move support

David Hinkle — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:50:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

During its E3 keynote, Sony revealed that a new Time Crisis is in the works for PS3. Aside from sporting plenty of dudes to shoot in the face, the game will also support Sony's new motion-enabled device, PlayStation Move. Sadly, that's literally all we got on the game. We'll update you as we learn more.

Time Crisis comes to PS3 with Move support originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MIT tech makes gesture controls cheaper, more colorful

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:45:00 EST

Sit down, Natal. Move over, Move. MIT researchers have unveiled a new breakthrough in gesture control technology: Multi-colored spandex gloves. Created by researchers Robert Wang and Jovan Popović, the gloves require nothing more than a standard webcam and special software and contain no electronic components whatsoever. The software simply recognizes various colors and shapes printed on the gloves and translates the image into an accurate 3D representation of the hand.

Rather than translate the hand position data on the fly, the software actually identifies the image it sees and checks it against a database of hand position images. Upon finding a match in the database, the program displays the corresponding 3D image. The only apparent downside is that the program requires several hundred megabytes of memory to run, though Wang notes that the amount of standard computer RAM is continually increasing, with most current computers including 4GB.

Wang cites video games as one of the most obvious applications for the technology, which would allow gamers to easily manipulate objects within a game world. Of course, every console maker has its own motion control solution, at least in the offing, but the gloves have an advantage: They should cost "about a dollar" to manufacture. The only thing the technology seems to be lacking is a punchy marketing name ... Cue Joystiq Publishing to the rescue: "The Amazing Technicolor Dreamgloves!"

Give us a call, MIT, and we'll get these babies off the ground. The rest of you can see the gloves in action after the break.

[Via GamePolitics]

Continue reading MIT tech makes gesture controls cheaper, more colorful

MIT tech makes gesture controls cheaper, more colorful originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Natal's worldwide October launch apparently outed by MS Saudi 'vendor' [update]

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 11 May 2010 09:25:00 EST

In an interview on Saudi television, the marketing manager for Microsoft's entertainment and devices division for the region revealed Project Natal's launch window: October 2010. GamerTagRadio has the clip of Microsoft's Syed Bilal Tariq saying, "We will be in a position to confirm the date after E3, which is in June. But definitely it is going to be October 2010 and we will have it in Saudi Arabia for sure."

The last official word we'd heard about the all-seeing, motion-tracking peripheral's launch date was "holiday season 2010." With E3 a little over a month away, we're expecting to learn specific dates soon -- likely at Natal's standalone press conference.

Update: G4 reports that according to Microsoft, "Syed Bilal Tariq is not a [Microsoft] employee ... He is a vendor employed through a third-party company on behalf of the Microsoft subsidiary in Saudi Arabia." The company also wouldn't comment on the alleged October launch window.

[Via Edge]

Natal's worldwide October launch apparently outed by MS Saudi 'vendor' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega to reveal Natal, Move projects at E3 suited for 'PS2 type' audience

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:45:00 EST

Last September, Sega promised to clue the world into its plans for Project Natal and PlayStation Move in early 2010. Actually, back then, we were still calling it the PlayStation Motion Controller. Oh, so young and naive! Now that we and Sega are both a few months older and wiser, the latter's plans have been pushed back a bit -- in a recent interview with IndustryGamers, Sega West president Mike Hayes explained that the company's Natal and Move plans would be revealed at E3 2010.

Though we haven't heard much about Sega's feelings on the upcoming wave of new motion control technology, Hayes explained the company is excited about "the fact that Move and Natal will bring in more of what I'd call the PS2 type of consumer for those platforms, which then suits very much the IP that Sega has." We've hypothesized that the PS2 IP he's referring to is the already motion-infused Sega Super Stars (pictured above) -- in our heart of hearts, though, we're secretly hoping for a motion-controlled Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future.

Sega to reveal Natal, Move projects at E3 suited for 'PS2 type' audience originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Natal test kit photos reveal 'motorized tilt mechanism,' power cord

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST

Motion camera meta-voyeurism news now, with an alleged Project Natal test kit capturing every movement of a man ... taking pictures of it. According to Italian gaming site Multiplayer.it, the photos originate from a tester, who was tasked with having an unreciprocated conversation with the Xbox 360 peripheral in order to test its speech recognition capabilities.

The surprisingly cheerful documentation included with the supposed test kit explicitly warns against tilting the camera manually, as it's already equipped with a "motorized tilt mechanism" -- all the better to see you with, my dear. The "Quick Start Guide" also shows how the early model of the camera connects to an Xbox 360 development kit via USB and a power outlet via a split cable.

It's not known how representative these photos are of early Project Natal development kits, nor how much of it will change by the time the final product arrives this holiday. Microsoft did not comment on the veracity of the images, with a representative telling Joystiq: "We announced earlier this year that Project Natal will launch this holiday, and our teams are working hard to bring the best experiences to life. We have nothing further to announce at this time."

[Via Engadget]

Rumor: Natal test kit photos reveal 'motorized tilt mechanism,' power cord originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto on retirement and the Wii's innovation

Mike Schramm — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST

At age 57, you might think Shigeru Miyamoto would be taking it easy -- maybe plunking a few coins into his 401k, or taking to the garden to plant a few Fire Flowers. But not Shiggy, who tells gamesTM that retirement isn't an option quite yet. While Nintendo "has to retire me some time," he says, "I look around and see how aged cartoonists continue to work on their manga and how movie directors create new movies all the time, I understand that they would never retire. And by the same token, I guess I will still be making games somehow."

Miyamoto also mentions Super Mario Galaxy 2, and says that the first numbered sequel in years was supposed to be version 1.5, but "we noticed that there were too many new experiences for it to be merely an incremental update." He gracefully refuses to comment on others' work, but affirms that Nintendo goal is "to provide fun and surprise" in video games, not merely to see "who can come up with the most violent depictions." Miyamoto says that the motion control mania going on with other consoles proves that Wii is "the de facto standard of the industry's control mechanisms," and new innovations, like the upcoming Vitality Sensor, are announced "only after being able to confirm internally that it is something that the general public will be able to appreciate." First we need to see just what the heck it does before we can start talking appreciation!

And while almost every game developer out there has been influenced by Shigeru Miyamoto, who's impressed him? "Mr. Will Wright," he admits, "is a very unique person and someone very special." Maybe Miyamoto's taking notes on Wright's retirement, too: He's still having Stupid Fun after leaving the corporate life.

[Via Industry Gamers]

Miyamoto on retirement and the Wii's innovation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Side-Kick founded to work on motion-based games for 'next-gen' consoles

David Hinkle — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:45:00 EST

Israel-based company Side-Kick is a new studio "focused on the creation of motion control games for next-generation game consoles and digital living rooms." We're not quite sure what a digital living room is (The Matrix?), but the rest seems fairly self-explanatory.

Led by Guy Bendov, co-founder of Double Fusion, the new company also includes former Eidos and PrimeSense alums, the latter being responsible for the tech behind Microsoft's upcoming Project Natal. So, the studio definitely has built-in familiarity with Microsoft's new motion-sensing device and, based on that next-gen line above, we assume the company will also produce PlayStation Move content.

Side-Kick has a few games in development right now -- Mini Demons is only briefly shown via its website -- and will be on-hand to display its new wares at Microsoft's ThinkNext2010 event and E3. We've contacted the company for clarification on which platforms it's currently targeting.

Update: A Side-Kick representative got back to us, stating that "Natal and Move are the targets for now since they use camera systems to track movement." Well, we're glad that's cleared up!

Side-Kick founded to work on motion-based games for 'next-gen' consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Sports is planning to support motion controls

David Hinkle — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EST

An interesting landscape is starting to take shape out there, thanks to the fresh wave of motion-control technology coming to gaming this year: the PlayStation Move and Microsoft's Project Natal. And there's no other genre that calls for an immediate association to motion-control gaming than sports, right?

2K Sports' VP of Marketing Jason Argent recently talked with the[a]listdaily about the new tech and its potential for sports games. Argent confirmed that 2K Sports would in fact be employing the tech, though there's no time-line as of yet. Argent only offered that we all should "stay tuned" for more info.

For certain games -- hockey, baseball and boxing -- we'd say utilizing the tech makes sense, but how could it make for a fun football or basketball experience? Well, 2K Sports, forgive the pun but the ball's in your court.

[Via Industry Gamers]

2K Sports is planning to support motion controls originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Greenberg promises surprises from first-year Natal games

JC Fletcher — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:40:00 EST

Aaron Greenberg, product manager for Xbox Live and Xbox 360, told Edge magazine (excerpted by CVG) to expect a wide variety of games in Project Natal's lineup. Well, actually, the way he puts it, you can't expect it: "I think people will be surprised even in the first year by the variety of experiences you'll get," he said, also noting that the company has "thought out the portfolio years in advance." We'll be able to evaluate the variety of that early lineup at Microsoft's E3 Natal event, according to previous statements made by the company.

Seemingly transforming into Bizarro Reggie, Greenberg went on to channel the Nintendo promoter's gift of gab as he espoused the wonders of the Natal platform. "The beauty of Natal is that it brings you, male or female, young or old, an experience that everyone can enjoy," he said. "Whether it's gaming experiences or lifestyle experiences, everything we're doing in the design is about thinking of a way anyone can step in front of it and be able to use it in a matter of seconds."

Greenberg promises surprises from first-year Natal games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Datel TiltFX adds tilt-based motion controls to PSP

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST

Do you ever look at those iPhone gaming ads and say, "Gee, I wish I could do that on my PSP?" Well, if just buying an iPod is out of the question, Datel may have a solution for you. The TiltFX is a new accessory that promises to add motion controls to "all games" on the PSP. According to a press release, the device features a three-axis MEMS sensor and is able to replace the functions of the standard D-Pad and analog stick. Additionally, Datel is offering customized profiles for specific games, like WipEout, LocoRoco, and Super Monkey Ball. Presumably, these will tweak the controls for a better tailored experience.

We haven't had a chance to test the TiltFX for ourselves, but it is advertised as compatible with all PSP systems, minus the Go -- meaning owners of PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000 series systems can use the device. According to a Datel representative, the device won't require custom firmware to operate. (It seems the device is sending control data via the PSP's headset port.) Apparently, it's available now and has a MSRP of £14.99 or $19.99. You can check out a commercial after the break.

Continue reading Datel TiltFX adds tilt-based motion controls to PSP

Datel TiltFX adds tilt-based motion controls to PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto wants to get DS into classrooms (with permission)

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST

[Brandy Shaul]

Ahhh, grammar school -- there was nothing quite like trying to hide that GBA under the desk in fear of Mrs. Rosencrantz confiscating our portal into Pokémon Fire Red. Back then, handheld games were little more than an obvious distraction in the eyes of our ruler-equipped teachers, but Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto plans on changing all of that. Speaking with the Associated Press in an interview recently, the legendary game developer explained his latest devotion: bringing the Nintendo DS and Wii into schools. He said that the DS would be making its way into "junior high and elementary schools in Japan starting in the new school year" (beginning this April).

Miyamoto didn't get too specific on how his company's consoles would help Japanese students with their education, only detailing it as part of Nintendo's initiative to expand the audience for gaming consoles. We have to imagine that the kids won't be using them to decide whether or not Resident Evil 4 on Wii is the best version (besides, we all already know that it is). Thankfully for our unborn children, Miyamoto didn't mention any amorphous plans to bring gaming consoles into North American schools just yet. Presumably they'll have to play it fast and loose like we did -- keeps 'em sharp!

Miyamoto wants to get DS into classrooms (with permission) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Move input latency analyzed by Digital Foundry

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST

The amount of latency between a user's input on a game controller and the in-game reflection of that input is an incredibly important factor when comparing motion controllers. Sony has been boasting that the input latency for the PlayStation Move would be "under a frame" -- though Digital Foundry concluded otherwise during its brief tech demo with the sphere-tipped peripheral.

Digital Foundry conducted a fairly rudimentary experiment in which a person filmed himself sharply moving the controller, then counted how many milliseconds it takes for the screen to reflect his movement. Though there were a few variables to the experiment (such as the unknown, natural latency of the television display used in the demo), Digital Foundry estimates the device's latency to be in the ballpark of 133ms (around eight frames), which they claim is "fine for most of the applications you would want from such a controller." You can check out a video of Digital Foundry's simple latency experiment on Eurogamer.

PlayStation Move input latency analyzed by Digital Foundry originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kevin Butler shows that PlayStation Move only does time travel

JC Fletcher — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST

Not only does PlayStation Move enable realistic motion controls for PS3 games -- it also allows for corporate dispatches from the future. We didn't hear about that at any press conference! But there's Kevin Butler, addressing us from November 2010 about advances in nutrition and the success of the PlayStation Move. That means, according to Sony's time travel technology, the Move should be out sometime in November at the latest.

This commercial features plenty of footage of some guy completely battering air in Motion Fighter, along with some not-so-subtle callouts of the motion-based competition, and even a little bit of reverent Tretton worship. Check the ad out after the break.

Gallery: PlayStation Move (Joystiq's Photos)

[Thanks, Antony!]

Continue reading Kevin Butler shows that PlayStation Move only does time travel

Kevin Butler shows that PlayStation Move only does time travel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Go behind the tech of PlayStation Move at the Engadget Show this Saturday

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:30:00 EST

The Engadget Show is teaming up with Joystiq's very own Chris Grant this Saturday in a brand new episode that features the newly unveiled PlayStation Move motion controller. Sony's Richard Marks will take the stage, bringing some brand new tech demos that highlight what the controller is capable of. This will be the first time the general public will be able to get their hands on the device, with random members of the audience being able to play with the Move live on stage. And there's going to be a special surprise ...

If you're in the NYC area, go to Engadget to find out more details on how to score a ticket for the show. If you can't make it, don't worry! Both Joystiq and Engadget will have a live stream of the episode available for you to watch this Saturday, March 20th at 5PM EST. Hope to see you there!

Go behind the tech of PlayStation Move at the Engadget Show this Saturday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Molyneux: Motion gaming is making devs 'sweat'

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST

You hear that, developers? You should be shakin' in yer boots -- motion-based gaming is going to force you to throw away everything you've ever learned about game design and start anew. At least that's what Lionhead's Peter Molyneux (not so exaggeratedly) had to say when quizzed on the subject of the "arms race" between the big three for waggle supremacy. "All of this stuff is making all the designers sweat -- I've met lots of designers at GDC, and we're all very bleary-eyed at the moment because every rule we've got, we're having to throw away," Molyneux told Eurogamer.

And understandably so. Between WIi's established console dominance (not to mention last year's MotionPlus add-on), this week's unveiling of PlayStation Move, and Microsoft's Project Natal this holiday, there's a lot to work with. It's this problem, though, that Molyneux believes will forge new types of game experiences in the years to come. "I don't think the first wave of these motion-control titles will be what you expect .... just as with every hardware chain, it's the second wave where they usually come up with stuff that's interesting ... so the second wave could be really cool."

And as far as Natal in Fable 3 goes, the eccentric developer kept mum on the specifics, only offering, "You can expect us to use Natal to make you laugh and to surprise you and to give you this feeling of power -- there are some very obvious things we could do, like controlling the GUI in Natal, and it doesn't really excite me." Tom Cruise will be so disappointed.

Molyneux: Motion gaming is making devs 'sweat' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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See more Move in Sports Champions dev diary

JC Fletcher — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:40:00 EST

PlayStation Blog posted a developer diary featuring Zindagi Games, developer of the PlayStation Move minigame showcase Sports Champions. The devs demonstrate the abilities of the Move controller, showing lots of game footage and demonstrations of controller motions.

They also describe their excitement about Move and its new opportunities for control -- going so far as to compare it to the feeling of playing a 3D game for the first time. If you were developing one of the flagship games for the thing, you'd be excited too!

See more Move in Sports Champions dev diary originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest makes 'Move' to PS3

JC Fletcher — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:40:00 EST

[Wii version]

Warner Bros. Interactive has revealed that, in addition to the previously announced PS2, PSP, DS and Wii releases, it's putting Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest on PS3 -- with PlayStation Move support. The kid-friendly LOTR game will now be released this fall (delayed again!) on all five platforms, with the Wii version developed by Headstrong Games (yes, that Headstrong Games) and the others by TT Fusion. Of course, the Wii and PS3 versions will be the only ones with motion control, and they will also be the only versions featuring two-player co-op (with the second player controlling Gandalf).

The PS3 version won't be an exact port of the Wii one, but it's the same idea -- a game for which the Wii was originally the lead platform, now spreading to the PS3 thanks to the existence of a very Wii-like motion controller. It may be the first, but this is definitely not the last time we'll see this!

Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest makes 'Move' to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Move sub-controller: Don't call it a Nunchuk

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:05:00 EST

Click for little-big size

In case this is your first visit to Joystiq, know that Sony has dropped major megatons this evening at its GDC press conference -- as well as one very small megaton: the PlayStation Move "sub-controller." What you see above is the little brother (if you will) to the main ice cream cone-esque Move wand and the enabler of all things analog stick-controlled.

As per Sony's announcement of Move, the sub-controller attachment is intended to "expand the game play options that PlayStation Move games can offer," and -- unlike Nintendo Wii's Nunchuk controller -- it will connect wirelessly to the console via Bluetooth. We'll have our hands-on with the PlayStation Move (and the sub-controller) for you later tonight. For now, ogle the high-res images in our gallery below.

Gallery: PlayStation Move

PlayStation Move sub-controller: Don't call it a Nunchuk originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'PlayStation Move' is official name of motion controller

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:14:00 EST

Though you guys had some bold, provocative ideas for what the heretofore unnamed "PlayStation Motion Controller" should be called, Sony has just squelched your creativity during its GDC event by giving the peripheral its official name: The PlayStation Move. We know, we know -- we were also really hoping for "The Seybold," too.

So, now that we can stop posting conjecture about what the device is going to be called, what other reason will we have to write about it? Sony hopes to provide that information later in the event, when it reveals a few of the killer apps that will accompany the peripheral's release. Stay tuned! Update: Follow along.

Gallery: PlayStation Move

'PlayStation Move' is official name of motion controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony trademarks 'PlayStation Move' in Europe

JC Fletcher — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST

Another candidate has been added to the list of potential names for Sony's motion controller. Yesterday, Sony filed a European trademark, for use with a control device, for "PlayStation Move." It sounds fitting for a motion controller! (It's application number 008936544 in the European trademark database, if you'd like to see it in its native habitat.)

In addition to that trademark, NeoGAFfer gofreak found another trademark for the logo seen here, which looks more like an A for Arc than an M for Move. We have yet to verify the image ourselves in the trademark database, however.

In any case, we're likely to find out more about whatever this thing is called during GDC.

[Via NeoGAF; The Netwerk]

Sony trademarks 'PlayStation Move' in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese DSiWare game uses camera to create illusion of depth

JC Fletcher — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:15:00 EST

We've seen the DSi's camera used as a tilt sensor a couple of times, but Rittai Kakushi E Atta Kore Da (something like Hidden 3D Shapes: There it Is) does something new with it: using the camera's motion sensing to create the illusion of a 3D space, which you explore by moving the DS and changing perspective.

The game itself involves searching these 3D environments for hidden objects. In the level shown in the trailer after the break (which you really should watch to figure out what the hell we're talking about), you're looking for items that, when viewed from a certain perspective, arrange themselves into letters.

Rittai Kakushi E Atta Kore Da will be out in Japan on DSiWare March 3.

Continue reading Japanese DSiWare game uses camera to create illusion of depth

Japanese DSiWare game uses camera to create illusion of depth originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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