Sony: Move is an Optional Extra
Sony’s Move motion controller has been described by Sony CEO Jack Tretton as ‘œan extension of what already exists, not a replacement.’ Speaking to G4, Tretton said that while Sony has the ‘œmost immersive’ motion control system, it doesn’t want to ‘œforce motion gaming down [users'] throats.’
He said that some users will say ‘œwell, I like motion gaming but I prefer my DualShock’ and that Sony views it as add-on rather than the core control scheme like it is on the Wii. He also downplayed the Wii’s importance in creating motion gaming, suggesting that Sony’s EyeToy ‘œushered… in’ motion control rather than the Wii’s WiiMote controller.
The idea of Move as an optional extra is both good and bad. On the positive side it means, as Tretton says, that players who don’t want to use it don’t have to. However, that also means it’s optional for developers too. If a developer doesn’t want to implement the device, or there is an overall apathy towards Move, it may result in devs not using the feature in their games. There’s also a threat of fragmentation: creating unified game controls when some will have Move and some won’t will be challenging and might put developers off.
Tretton says that 36 developers have signed up to use Move in their games, with around 20 titles expected to launch this year. All the big names are listed, but it really depends on how well Move sells if developers are going to jump in and really push to make games that integrate it.
Via: VG247
News Tags: GDC, GDC '10, Motion Control, Move, Nintendo, Sony, Wii
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The reason motion controls are big on the Wii is because every Wii console comes with a motion controller. Sony’s Move is separate and extra, and is going to cost $100, on top of an already pricey console.
Granted, the tech is good, and has lots of promise. It really does have better tech than Wii, but without a decent install base, all of that isn’t going to matter. Anyone remember the Power Glove? The Super Scope? Great tech, but very few games for them because only a few had them.
@TheGeek: I have to respectfully disagree with you sir, I don’t think the PS3 is a pricey console at all. especially now that the price has lowered (multiple times). Also the support that “Move” is getting already will ensure that it will not go by the wayside. I’ll probably get it but I’m very partial to the Dualshock so they’ll have to show me something awesome for me to use it instead of the regs. also, just the Wii ports that the “Move” will get will be great for PS3 owners. I think this is a postive move (haha) from Sony.
Ok, I admit the price has lowered to a more reasonable level, and Sony really has caught a second wind with the PS3 Slim, while the 360′s DVD format is showing its age. Things are looking up for Sony.
However, I can’t see Move having appeal to the hardcore gamers, they hate waggle. They might have a chance with sports games, I know at least one PS3 owner that will get Move if games such as Tiger Woods 11 supports it. Other than that, people bought PS3 for controller games.
While the PS3 looks like its going to be a strong 2nd in the console wars, I can’t see Move becoming a big part of the PS3. The starter kit is $99, and I can’t see it being bundled with a new game, unlike Wii Motion Plus. Unless Sony pulls a “must have” game for the Move, its going to be the next eyetoy.
@TheGeek: your right, its all about what games they come up with. I’m personally not a fan of sports games at all so I didn’t even think about that. I can tell you one thing, I loved Metroid corruption on the Wii and Socom4 is on my radar but right now I’m loving MAG and BC:2 so much I have a feeling I might sway back to the Dualshock3 for FPS’s. It all depends on how the “Move” feels. I’ll give it a try though.