Analyst: Microsoft is confused who Natal is for
With E3 quickly becoming a faded memory, the initial impressions of many things shown have also begun to lose their glitter. Natal made a big splash at E3 as something wondrous and amazing, but after the initial wow factor is wearing off some have started to question its practicality.
If you recall Shane Satterfield, VP of Spike Content and Gametrailers Chief Editor called Natal smoke and mirrors in my previous story. Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report, made a smarmy comment about Natal on his show in reference to one of its touted features, the ability to scan your skateboard and ride it. He stated, “At last, any child with a skateboard and the skill to ride a skateboard no longer has to ride a skateboard.”
He then went on to predict that Microsoft’s next console will not only have no controller, but no box and no TV. You will make believe that its there while you jump around dodging stuff with your imagination.
Recently, Doug Creutz an analyst from Cowen and Company, a firm specializing in research and analysis told Gamasutra that Natal seems like its trying to solve a problem that’s not there. He stated, “Natal appeared to me to be a technological solution in search of a problem.” He also stated, “Do I really care if I can navigate my Netflix queue without using a controller? I had a very hard time envisioning playing Modern Warfare 3 using Natal.”
As I mentioned previously, Microsoft could make it so players can mime throwing a grenade in Call of Duty, but I am sure it will feel as tacked on as Killzone 2’s motion controls like opening a door with the sixaxis.
Creutz makes a very interesting point when he stated:
Microsoft appears to be trying to steal casual gamers away from Nintendo, which is a difficult proposition given that you’re essentially asking casual gamers to upgrade twice during the cycle (assuming they already own a Wii).
Who is Microsoft targeting Project Natal towards? It seems like the casual market, but does the company seriously think it can steal Nintendo Wii’s userbase? Microsoft may have to invent a balance board and a Mario equivalent to entice the moms and their kids.
Creutz indicates that Sony’s motion offering seems to have a clear target audience in mind. He states, “I really thought Sony’s demo was superior from a gaming perspective.”
He also states:
By contrast, I had a very easy time envisioning it (and enjoying it) using Sony’s control/motion capture scheme… Sony is squarely targeting the core gamer market, which is what they need to be doing. Of course, there is a wide chasm between a demo and a finished, playable, appropriately-priced product.
Personally, whether its Sony’s motion wand, Microsoft’s Project Natal or Nintendo’s Wii-mote, motion technology really doesn’t do anything for me as a hardcore gamer. Why on Earth would I want to move around my living room like a “Wii-tard,” when I could be comfortably lounging on my sofa with a tactile controller with vibration feedback. Regardless of the sugar coated reasoning or logic one could give, the bottom line is if I wanted to exercise I would just go to the gym.
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June 25th, 2009
Who is Doug Cruetz?
June 25th, 2009
It’s a shame everybody focuses on the motion control over the voice recognition on this. Definitely would come in handy on some lengthy menus like Lost Odyssey’s, when searching for a specific item, skill, spell, treasure, etc. it would save a ton of time.
June 25th, 2009
What does he mean by “upgrade twice”?
June 25th, 2009
You can’t spell analyst without ‘anal’.
I have learnt not to pay much attention to these jokers. How often have they been right about who sold the most consoles out of 360 and PS3?
June 25th, 2009
I agree with you Mike to some extent. Some games will just not work with motion (or pure motion) control. I can’t see a FPS working where you have to point your finger at the screen. You need some sort of pointer. But its funny how you just wanna sit on yer ass and play with a controller over anything else.
People are wanting the graphics of their consoles (or PCs) to be as real as possible. But then they want to use and small analogue stick to represent a gun aim and a button to represent pulling a trigger or shooting a ball or playing a guitar.
Before anybody says, I know the motion controls are not perfect as they stand. But neither were the graphics of the Atari 2600 and look where we are today. In years to come the only way to be totally immersed in a game will be to be physically involved. Maybe not completely, but to some extent.
Racing games feel better with a wheel. A controller pad will not ever be better than that. Likewise shooting games will better with something you will be able to point at the guy you want to die rather than pulling a cursor about the screen with your control stick. And a mouse is just the same. There is no different feeling to using the mouse as a “gun” as it is to using to open MS Word. In real life you don’t double click someone to shoot them. You have to point and aim and compose yourself. So I have been told. I am crap at shooting games as I can’t aim for toffee. With the Wiimote that is a proven, but I am happy to lose online because I am crap rather than because of some non realistic control scheme.
Motion control will never replace all control schemes. It has its place. So does pushing a button. Not all games require you to flay about like a spaz having and eppy fit. Unless its a new Spaz Eppy simulator in the Sims 3.
So Mike as much as I acknowledge the “Personally” disclaimer at the end of your article, lets face it. Your wrong!
“Personally”
I think Microsoft are going to go for the casual market as that is where the money and sales are. But they are trying to be clever and hedge their bets by not alienating the “hardcore” (or “professional” what ever term keeps the close minded gamer happy) market. If sony go for just the “hardcore” then they are seriously limiting their scope and vision. But thats sony for ya.
June 25th, 2009
He normally uses a question mark as his disclaimer!
June 25th, 2009
Ha ha I like it Harry.
Have you also noticed that if you take the letters from “sony ps4th fanboy” and re-arrange them take a few letters away and add a few you get “pitifully sad, close minded, bitter that their console is in last place, defensively aggressive, blu ray self pleasuring, daylight dodging girlfriend-a-phobe”
How weird is that.
June 25th, 2009
You guys really don’t like Project Natal, do you?
I don’t think MS really need to target any specific group, if anything history has shown that you are better off letting introducing such a product and then reacting swiftly to how the market responds. Netbooks were initially targeted at kids, but Asus (and then all the others) noticed early on that a completely different market was buying them and they adjusted accordingly. To me the most interesting aspects of the tech demo of Natal was the voice recognition and the whole family being able to play it, as well as the gesture control of the multimedia aspects. Smart money would license this tech out to other hardware vendors and allow them to integrate it into their kit. Imagine integrating it into a new TV. Then you could change channels with a wave of a hand, It could pause a programme when you leave the room, turn the sound down when it hears the phone ring, etc etc. This sort of interactivity tech could become one of the biggest branches of the MS empire.
On a different note – why do those idiots in Redmond have to butcher the english language again? The word is pronounced “Nay-Tal” not “Nahhh-taaahhl” ffs!!!!!
June 25th, 2009
Jack Tretton said he couldn’t envisage playing God Of War 3 with motion control….I fucking well can.
Virtually hacking the shit out of virtual enemies would be fucking uber cool. Make it happen Sony!
June 25th, 2009
LOL …
June 25th, 2009
Since when would owning a Wii and a Natal Xbox be “upgrading twice”?
There are lots of areas in gaming Natal could open up (or exploit better – with or without a handset too btw).
How come Mike seems to want to focus on the ‘no controller’ aspect as if that was the only means possible?
Sure, no controller made the (obvious) splash at the show but it’s just dumb to make out all devs will either have to or will want to take that path every time.
Slow news day?
June 25th, 2009
“Analyst: PlayStation Motion Controller better for core gamers than Natal”
.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/analyst-playstation-motion-controller-better-for-core-gamers-th/
I’m confused about Natal… where do the red lights blink from?
June 25th, 2009
“At last, any child with a skateboard and the skill to ride a skateboard no longer has to ride a skateboard.”
As long as Natal don´t go way too realistic in their representation of activities, it will be ok. I don´t imagine Guitar Hero being as succesful as it is using a real guitar and real note positions. Not because it wouldn´t be cool but for the difficulty that most people face while playing a real guitar. I really don´t see them making such mistake.
In one side, Natal looks great and I think all we have seen at the E3 is real (except for Milo), but I can foresee lots of problems with the first implementations and MS know it (no price tag, no release date). In my opinion, for the moment Nintendo and Sony got a more pragmatic approach.
June 25th, 2009
Andrew_DS: “pitifully sad, close minded, bitter that their console is in last place, defensively aggressive, blu ray self pleasuring, daylight dodging girlfriend-a-phobe”
Grow up will ya. whats with all the hating against the PS3 then? fanboys. I personally love all the consoles (except the shitty wii that don’t count as a console and its shit). I just got my platinum on inFAMOUS last night and now im struggling on Disc 2 of Lost Odyssey lol!
Any one have any idea if FF8 is Coming to the PSN store???
June 25th, 2009
Any one have any idea if FF8 is Coming to the PSN store???
Yeah thats one of the 50 something PS1 classic coming this year
June 25th, 2009
Happy what is your Gamer Tag? Mine is: C DAWK
June 25th, 2009
I’ll add you from my computer at work.
June 25th, 2009
I’ll be in touch CAD.
June 25th, 2009
cool
June 25th, 2009
cool
June 25th, 2009
cool
June 25th, 2009
harry sachz:
“You can’t spell analyst without ‘anal’”.
……and remember, you can’t say happiness without saying penis!
June 25th, 2009
Michael Jackson died!?!?! wow that’s crazy.
June 25th, 2009
Holy crap, didn’t expect that…..
June 25th, 2009
thanks alot roca, ff8 on the psp will b gd
June 26th, 2009
MJ & Farah.
Pretty shocking news alround there.
June 26th, 2009
Poor Michael Jackson. I never believe anything bad they said about him.
I hope they Freeze him.
I am not joking:
wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryonic
June 26th, 2009
I think it is a conspiracy …. he’s not dead at all. Long live MJ and Elvis
June 26th, 2009
I heard he was spotted in a limo sharing a bong with Princess Di and Tupac.
June 26th, 2009
@Oldschool1897 – I am just like you bro. I love all consoles too. Except that sony ps4th tat, which “don’t count as a console as its shit!”
@Barnabe – MJ Died. Whoa, there is some crazy shit going on out there. Next there will be some one else die. Maybe it will turn into an epidemic! Who next? You…Me…? Oh my god….Oh wait its just life. Not crazy at all.
Anyhoo, I heard MJ was to melted down to make plastic bags so he can still be a danger to young children.
June 26th, 2009
Andrew_DS….FUCK YOU.
If anyone here should die, it should be you. It wouldn’t be a bad thing if you and “Nahtzee” died right now.
June 26th, 2009
Harry, was that the pink one, with Elvis behind the wheel? My cousin’s best friend’s aunt’s pool cleaner’s daughter-in-law swore she spotted that limo last night!
June 26th, 2009
“Anyhoo, I heard MJ was to melted down to make plastic bags so he can still be a danger to young children.”
@Andrew DS
Man that’s cold! Poor guy has not even been dead for a day and already jokes are being made! Congrats Andrew DS, you win the DOUCHEBAG OF THE DAY AWARD! I didn’t really like MJ too much, but grow up man! There is a time and place, and you chose them both wrong! I think anyone who finds someone’s death funny is a total idiot!
June 26th, 2009
Rimmer, yeah that’s the one! I heard they had some quality shit in there.
June 26th, 2009
What’s the big deal? He said a tasteless joke? The Michael Jackson jokes had already started before he posted his. Telling another poster that he wishes he was dead is a lot worse than a tasteless joke.
June 26th, 2009
@Zoar? Was that a question? If so then only as long as you provide the butter. Afterall I wouldn’t want a “Zoar” ass now would I? I jest I jest.
I know Knighthawk. I apologize to all the Whako Jacko fans out there. But I do have a little (just a little one mind) bit of a sick streak running through me. And lets be honest. I bet I am not the first one to do it. I just like to push you guys. You become immune to my baiting so I have to up the ante.
June 26th, 2009
“What’s the big deal? He said a tasteless joke? The Michael Jackson jokes had already started before he posted his.”
“What’s the big deal? He raped a group of kids? The kid raping had already started before he raped his.”
Just because ’someone else did it too’ doesn’t justify it. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
Andrew, this is why I abhor you. When something bad happens to someone else you act like a little piece of shit. But when it happens to *you*, you expect us to go all emo for little old you? I think you once said you had a wife, right? Well, I think she is really stupid for marrying you.
June 26th, 2009
“What’s the big deal? He said a tasteless joke? The Michael Jackson jokes had already started before he posted his.”
“What’s the big deal? He raped a group of kids? The kid raping had already started before he raped his.”
Just because ’someone else did it too’ doesn’t justify it. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
Andrew, this is why I abhor you. When something bad happens to someone else you act like a little piece of shit. But when it happens to *you*, you expect us to go all emo for little old you? I think you once said you had a wife, right? Well, I think she is really stupid for marrying you.
June 26th, 2009
“What’s the big deal? He said a tasteless joke? The Michael Jackson jokes had already started before he posted his.”
“What’s the big deal? He raped a group of kids? The kid raping had already started before he raped his.”
Just because ’someone else did it too’ doesn’t justify it. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
Andrew, this is why I abhor you. When something bad happens to someone else you act like a little piece of shit. But when it happens to *you*, you expect us to go all emo for little old you? I think you once said you had a wife, right? Well, I think she is really stupid for marrying you.
June 26th, 2009
Damn! Can someone delete the other two?
Thank you.
June 26th, 2009
Your right about my wife.
Your right about my wife.
Your right about my wife.
(Not sure why we had to say it 3 times but hey.)
And when have I expected anyone to go all emo on me. One thing about me Zoar is that I can take what I dish out. I have got a sense of humour and don’t mind anyone taking the p*ss out of me.
And for the record everybody, I never mentioned anything about kid raping or what ever the right wing member of the God Squad was going on about. What a baskey case.
Anyhoo, can we stay on subject of jokes and games.
June 26th, 2009
Bl*ody hell, it was only a joke Zoar, it’s not like he killed him.
Whatever happened to free speach, huh?
CAD
You should have heard by now.
June 26th, 2009
Yeah Zoar, its not like I am to blame for MJs death. And Happyhockum isn’t to blame for his death either. We all know to blame it on the boogie.
June 26th, 2009
GROW UP ANDREW, UR A FUCKING IDIOT….
you act like you just want to get attention, mayb you dont have any friends in real life, mayb ur tired of ur video games friend and this website is ur only option to interact with real ppl.
so GEt a F***KING life and go somewhere else to waste other ppls time becuase if u havent nocited yet NOBODY WANTS yOU HERE because ur a heartless bastard who never shows respect for anybody else other than Bill Gates, and you barely make sense when you post ur pointless comments
June 26th, 2009
Hey hey hey, calm down, shhhhh, shhh there there Roca. Wipe up the foam from the side of your mouth and stop having an eppy. Chill bud. Chill.
I am sorry if thats how you see me mate and I will try and make amends for my mistake.
Bill Gates is a obscenely wealthy uber geek who has lost touch with the people who have made him rich.
There, I hope that makes things better for ya my friend. Its not my best work, but you can only work with the materials provided.
June 26th, 2009
Jebus H Christ Roca,
you really think you speak for everyone on the board now do you?!
Does every PS3 come with a plug-in for over-bearing arrogance these days?
June 26th, 2009
Happyhocum :
LOL. The ps4th also comes with a a chip called the over-emotional engine and your can download a humor suppressor app FREE from playstation network.
June 26th, 2009
Happy;
Well i think you have to be a ignorant to make fun of a person that jus past away. there are times to be an completely asshole and there are times to show respect and be mature
June 26th, 2009
Why am I surprised that Michael Jackson’s death got out the comments out of hand?… I really shouldn’t be lol…
Anyway, I’m betting it was an OD.
June 26th, 2009
*sigh* edit button
June 26th, 2009
So….. how about those video games, eh?
-Arvis
June 26th, 2009
Barnabe, what do you think he OD’d on? I think it could be calpol, but not too sure.
Yeah, video games. Whooo hoo. Yeah!
So anybody been playing anything good or deferent lately?
Is Civ 4 any good for the PC? I can get it for under £5.
June 26th, 2009
Roca
I think you have to be a tad over-sensitive & silly to try and bawl someone out for just telling a joke.
Especially over someone you didn’t even know.
What is this, ‘thought-crime’ time?
June 26th, 2009
I’m currently playing Virtua Tennis 09. But only after Wimbledon coverage has ended for the day.
*goes to corner, whispering to self about backhands and first-serve percentage*
-Arvis
June 26th, 2009
Shut up Arvis.
Everyone here is getting pretty damned sick of your endless tennis ranting!
Take heed!!!!!!
June 26th, 2009
Andy, not sure exactly, but I’m pretty sure he was using something. That would also account for the heart failure.
As far as games.. Monster Hunter & FF VII… I’m going to be pretty busy for a while.
June 26th, 2009
Im getting Monster Hunter next week, Crimson Gen Saga, Patapon 2 and LocoRoco 2
June 26th, 2009
Monster Hunter is amazing… but it’s also pretty difficult. I would recommend it, but be prepared for a challenge and time investment.
Let me know what you think of Crimson Gem. I’m really interested in it.
I pre-ordered FF: Dissidia on Amazon. It was $3.00 off, plus you get a free 10 track CD of the soundtrack for pre-ordering. Not too bad.
June 26th, 2009
Oh and one last thing… apparently you can use this program (XLink Kai) to play WLAN PSP games over the internet for free.
.teamxlink.co.uk/
June 26th, 2009
Happy, Federer lost a set today! That’s only the 3rd time that’s happened in the last SIX Wimbledons!!! I’m so nervous for him now!
…fault…advantage…forehand lob…topspin…break to love… *twitch twitch*
-Arvis
(P.S. Happy, you actually made me laugh out loud with that post
)
June 26th, 2009
What tennis pundits do you get over there Arvis? You don’t get Tim “Mr Personality” Henman do you?
Man, I’ve had more fun playing Operation Darkness than listening to his drivel…
June 26th, 2009
There are quite a few, lock_down, let me see if I can’t remember their names.
We’ve got Chris Fowler, Darren Cahill, Patrick McEnroe, Dick Enberg, Bud Collins… and some others.
We also have some women commentators like Pam Shriver.
But no, no Tim Henman.
-Arvis
June 26th, 2009
andrew_DS you say you love all consoles but theres only two of them out there, wii does not count! it’s a novelty at best, and no matter how many times you say ‘ps4th’ it does not make it any funnier… not that it was funny in the 1st place.
also how is the PS3 shit then? explain it to me? you sayin ALL and EVERY SINGLE PS3 game is completely shit then?
uncharted shit?
R and C shit?
infamous?
your just a fanboy who likes to go on about how the PS3 is wank with no reason for it. out your price range or something?
June 27th, 2009
oldschool – Just ignore him, you’d be better off for it.
As for natal, who cares. If it flops, then it flops. Ill be playing games with my ‘regular’ controller anywhoos.
June 27th, 2009
lol cheers SW lmao
your right tho eh? why bother. any idea WHEN FF8 is due for the PSN any1 please?
June 27th, 2009
New guy. I’ve been reading site for a while. The aticles are interesting and enjoy the comments. Your a classic crowd. Very fun.
Microsofts going to aim where the money is – casual gaming. In this economy right now they are aiming for family money. I highly doubt they will abandon their core base of hardcore gamers though. We’ll just have to see if Natal works or fades away.
I’m 20 miles from MJ’s Neverland ranch and in the town where the court fiasco happened. It turned this town into a circus show. It was not a good day yesterday to first hear about Farrah then fives hours late hear about Michael. I was never a fan of his but its sucks to hear about death all day long. May they rest in peace. The plastic jokes started before his body was even cold. Your guys posts haven’t been that bad though.
June 27th, 2009
“I heard he was spotted in a limo sharing a bong with Princess Di and Tupac”
Now that made me laugh …. lol