E3, the annual video game conference and expo, always brings us a few big stories about cool new technologies that will supposedly “revolutionize” the gaming industry. This year, the big story is the announcement of Microsoft and Sony’s “Wii killers.” Both companies are scheduled to unveil new motion-sensing game technology. Microsoft was first up and we have all the details.
Kinect is the official name of the XBox 360‘s new motion detection add-on (it previously went under the code name Project Natal). In other words, it’s Microsoft’s version of the Nintendo Wii. The key difference is that the Wii requires you to hold a controller, whereas the Kinect doesn’t need any controller at all. Instead, it senses the movements of your body.
Initially, only a few games will be available that will take advantage of Kinect’s abilities. That list will include Kinect Sports (hmm… where have we heard that before?), Kinectimals and a Star Wars title.
Later this week, Sony is expected to announce their version of motion-sensing technology. We’ll have all the details as soon as the announcement is made.
