Big names talk Project Natal.

Thursday 24th September 2009 - 17:00


Support from top publishers for Microsoft's new motion sensitive device plus Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker PSP screens



Microsoft today announced widespread enthusiasm from the world's leading video-game publishers for "Project Natal," a whole new way to play - no controller required. Developers have apparently embraced the technology and have begun work on titles that will utilise the new control scheme. Coming just three months after Project Natal was unveiled at E3, the announcements at the Tokyo Game Show underscore the swift industry support for the revolutionary controller-free technology being designed for Xbox 360.

Unveiled for the first time in June, Project Natal is a code name for a whole new way to play. Combining an RGB camera, depth sensor and multi-array microphone running proprietary software, Project Natal enables gamers to play in a natural and inviting new way, free from the boundaries of a controller through the use of sight, sound and motion.

Among the publishers actively working on games for Project Natal are Activision Blizzard, Bethesda Softworks, Capcom, Disney, Electronic Arts, Konami, Sega, Square Enix, THQ and Ubisoft. Publishers, who received development kits from Microsoft in early June, used the opening of the Tokyo Game Show to voice their excitement about the new technology.

"Microsoft's 'Project Natal' could fundamentally change the way players experience sports games," said EA Sports President Peter Moore. "At EA, some of our top development teams are experimenting with these tools with the goal of delivering a completely fresh take on genres like sports and racing."

"I strongly feel that 'Project Natal' will expand the possibilities of gaming. It's yet another component that adds to the appeal of Xbox 360 and demonstrates to users the broad level of entertainment it provides," said Keiji Inafune, managing corporate officer and head of Research and Development Management Group at Capcom. "Personally, I too am extremely excited about 'Project Natal.' It's really going to stir up our creative spirits. I think it's going to bring new ways to play and new surprises to Xbox 360 fans and help further the development of completely original content. 'Project Natal' is definitely something people should look out for."

"Ubisoft sees enormous opportunities with 'Project Natal.' With the 3-D camera, your body can become the interface," said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer of Ubisoft. "Any barrier related to the use of pad controllers that may have existed for potential gamers is now abolished. Ubisoft is already taking advantage of this major evolution to design new types of gaming experiences and attract more people to play video games."

We're waiting on official confirmation of a European release date but if rumours are to be believed we could all be waving our arms in front of the TV by Easter 2010.

If we didn't already have enough to look forward to we've also just been given some brand new screens of the forthcoming Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker PSP game - also destined to hit the High Street in 2010. The stealth action adventure is set in 1974 and boasts an all-new story penned by gaming legend Hideo Kojima.