Peter Moore Praises Nintendo, Hints at 360 Motion-Sensing Controller

[fitbabits]

Source - Game Informer (http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200702/N07.0222.1908.40031.htm).

GI: What is Microsoft going to do to attract the larger, casual scene?

Peter Moore: From a first-party point of view, it’s not just about E-rated games, it’s going to be about the experience that, quite frankly, Nintendo has done a tremendous job in capturing, in bringing back fun—if you will—to the gaming platforms. But we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve as well to be able to do that. It’s not something that we’re going to be shy about, and it’s not something that we’re not painfully aware of that needs to be changed by this holiday. That has been the strategy all along, and we’ll be making some more announcements in the coming month or two. I think you’ll see how serious we are about that.

GI: I’m glad to hear you didn’t say Fuzion Frenzy 2.

Peter Moore: I didn’t say Fuzion Frenzy 2, though I think it’s getting a bad rap. But anything that’s got 40 little minigames in it, as simple as they may be—it’s actually a fun multiplayer game. You know, it’s not Fuzion Frenzy 2. It’s actually not games. It’s more experiencial than that. And again, since the day I saw Iwata-san pull the nunchuck controller out from under his podium a few years ago at TGS, I’ve always realized that was the right thing for Nintendo to have to do for what they needed to do to be successful in this next generation. And it was always going to be a challenge for us. So, we have plans. This does not come as a surprise. Our strategy has been laid out for us years in advance, and you’re going to see some of that this next holiday and beyond.
Hmm, motion sensing... Surely not at the expense of rumble?

If, and it's a big if, Microsoft do go down that road, they'd damn well better make it worthwhile and not some cheap gimmick. I like the way I play Crackdown and Gears of War already - don't go shoving novelty features in which would detract from the overall experience.

[Ultima Thulian]

Bandwagon.

[Meusli]

Well they made a camera that is capable of motion sensing and that does not seem to be taking off so any extra gadgets they add now will probably go the same. They should have included something at launch so everyone gets it otherwise its gonna be an unused item.

[thecrazyd]

If they were to throw it in this late into the game, you would probably end up with 5 games that use it, and 2 that use it kind of decently.

[Heretic Machine]

I'd really rather MS just stuck with what they are doing now...

[Inverarity]

I wonder if this has anything to do with the camera-based controls that the 360 version of Raving Rabbids is expected to include.

[DangerousDaze]

Does Moore actually say anything about motion sensing tech? He talks about how Nintendo have done an excellent job at delivering fun titles and he wants to copy that model, but I don't think he's talking about motion tech. Could be wrong.

[T-Rex Commando]

Why does Moore change his stance on Nintendo every couple months? Make up your goddamn mind.

[fitbabits]

Does Moore actually say anything about motion sensing tech? He talks about how Nintendo have done an excellent job at delivering fun titles and he wants to copy that model, but I don't think he's talking about motion tech. Could be wrong.
Actually, yes:

"It's actually not games. It's more experiential than that. And again, since the day I saw Iwata-san pull the Nunchuk controller out from under his podium a few years ago at TGS, I've always realized that was the right thing for Nintendo ... to be successful in this next generation.

"And it was always going to be a challenge for us. So, we have plans. This does not come as a surprise. Our strategy has been laid out for us years in advance, and you're going to see some of that this next holiday and beyond."

[Tentaro]

Why does Moore change his stance on Nintendo every couple months? Make up your goddamn mind.

Because the market shifts. This is why he gets the Big Bucks. NEVER "make up your mind."

[KingGorilla]

A gun and one bullet, do you kill J Allard or Peter Moore?

[Doctor Setebos]

C'mon, Microsoft. The reason Nintendo has been successful with the Wii isn't necessarily the technology itself. It's the whole package. The fact that they created an entirely new control system based around a philosophy that was implemented with 100% confidence in the concept. Tacking that shit onto your current system will not bring Nintendo's fanbase over to you. Sorry. Try again. :rolleyes:

[NoName]

Bandwagon.
That's about all that needs to be said and you used the bare minimum 10 characters. Impressive :).

[bapenguin]

bah. Don't do it MS. Totally pointless.

[Ultima Thulian]

The reason the Wii was successful was because it did something new and was cheap. PS3 and 360 won't get the same kind of love for their motion sensing as Nintendo did, because they are doing it better and they did it while it was new and fresh. Watch...in three years motion sensing will be so run into the ground that Nintendo will have to find a new niche for it's next console.

[DangerousDaze]

Actually, yes:
Hmm, not convinced. :p He says it was the right strategy for Nintendo. He still doesn't say it's the right strategy for Microsoft.

[fitbabits]

Hmm, not convinced. :p He says it was the right strategy for Nintendo. He still doesn't say it's the right strategy for Microsoft.
He may not "say" it, but he certainly hinted at it. Which was why I used the word hint in the title. :)

[Khash]

When I hear "bringing back fun" I think "lowest common denominator." That's all we need is another console loaded with mini-game collections.

[DangerousDaze]

He may not "say" it, but he certainly hinted at it. Which was why I used the word hint in the title. :)
Tell you what, if Microsoft release a motion-sensitive controller, I'll donate another 50 bucks to the site. You can literally take that to the bank! :)

[fitbabits]

Tell you what, if Microsoft release a motion-sensitive controller, I'll donate another 50 bucks to the site. You can literally take that to the bank! :)
Done! :D

[Zanzibar]

I think this has more to do with Sony's Sixaxis than Nintendo, but Moore just isn't saying it. There's already the info that the Spiderman 3 game will have a tilt-sensing Green Goblin flying section that won't be on the X360 (or Wii, if I remember correctly). I think it's a decent idea to have an optional peripheral that plugs into the X360 controller expansion port that gives it similar tech.

[Draconis]

As usual, Nintendo is the one who innovates, and others copy that innovation.

Personally, I don't see this working too well with the Xbox 360. Tacked on is a definite word for it. And a matter of what one might attribute to 'panic' can also work as well. As it stands sales figure wise, Nintendo has already eaten up half of Microsofts Market share in comparison of Console #'s sold.

Bill Gates was Right. Sony is not the competition to beat this War. Nintendo is.

[TheFlyingOrc]

When I hear "bringing back fun" I think "lowest common denominator." That's all we need is another console loaded with mini-game collections.
Yes, Nintendo sure is making developers make less good games by making their console! Soon, ALL games will be mini-game collections!

[Evil Avnovice]

No thanks, Microsoft. I can see it now. A couple more 360/Live Arcade titles with all of the control and grace of Totemball. :rolleyes:

[SalaciousPuck]

It's not the control, it's the package and sticker price on it.

The Wii's most dangerous competition is a well marketed, price-dropped, 360 Core, w/some flash memory. Get that under $200 and keep it less than the Wii, and it's a Wii killer. Then have two SKU's above that. One for the gamer (360 + HD). One for the technology geek (360 + huge HD + HDDVD + HDMI).

This flexibility is really what makes Microsoft so potent this generation. Sony & Nintendo are riding the high and low ends, while the 360 plays the market chameleon.

[TheFlyingOrc]

This flexibility is really what makes Microsoft so potent this generation. Sony & Nintendo are riding the high and low ends, while the 360 plays the market chameleon.

Well, that might be true if they choose to exercise that. I think they're happy where they are right now - they certainly were expecting stiffer competition from Sony than they've gotten so far.

[Mr.Green]

A gun and one bullet, do you kill J Allard or Peter Moore?
You play too many violent videogames. Jack Thompson is probably gonna use your post in court.

[Itchyeyes]

My problem with this whole "bringing back fun" angle is that industry types generally interpret "fun" as meaning mini games and party games, Nintendo included. There's this delusion out there that for a game to be fun, it must be simple. It's entirely possible for a game to be both fun and deep.

Likewise there's a similar train of thought that declares all games must be fun. While this may seem like common sense, I tend to disagree. The mechanic that drives games like World of Warcraft, Oblivion, and Shadow of the Colossus is not fun, but rather a sense of awe at the surrounding world and a desire to explore it. Does that make these games any less masterpieces?

[Aleman]

Is it really the motion control that's making the Wii so popular with "non-gamers?" I would think it's more the low price + simple games, motion-controlled or not. You don't need motion control to make an accessible game.

Disclaimer: I have a Wii and a 360.

[agentgray]

TRANSLATION:

"Holy crap. Nintendo was right. They are making a killing in the biggest market there is. We've got to get us some of that!"

[Mr.Green]

Is it really the motion control that's making the Wii so popular with "non-gamers?" I would think it's more the low price + simple games, motion-controlled or not. You don't need motion control to make an accessible game.

Disclaimer: I have a Wii and a 360.
Sure the low price is key but I think Nintendo did a fantastic job at almost marketing the Wii as a physical activity. The idea that you have to get off your ass and move to play games is very popular with self conscience.

[Aleman]

Sure the low price is key but I think Nintendo did a fantastic job at almost marketing the Wii as a physical activity. The idea that you have to get off your ass and move to play games is very popular with self conscience.

Well yea, that was the initial appeal. I brought mine home over Christmas and my relatives loved it... at first they were all up and flailing their arms around, but after awhile everyone was back to sitting around and flicking their wrists.

[Kamalot]

bah. Don't do it MS. Totally pointless.
Actually, it makes a LOT of sense for Microsoft to introduce tilt-sensitive controllers. It neuters one more bullet point that PS3 has.

Remember last week when Spider Man 3 extra content was announced for the PS3 version of the game? That kind of exclusive content would no longer be exclusive to the PS3 if the 360 had a tilt-sensor as well.

You can get the 360 version that has better online capabilities, achievements, rumble, better friend/communication abilities, better custom soundtrack capabilities. ...Or... You can get the PS3 version that comes with tilt-control extras.

If MS implements tilt-sensors in the 360 controller, they lop off PS3's last remaining game advantage like a dead limb.

[TheFlyingOrc]

You can get the 360 version that has better online capabilities, achievements, rumble, better friend/communication abilities

But you forgot the mantra of the Sony PR man -

Our online is FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE! Who cares if it sucks?

[Draconis]

The thing is, I don't think that these controllers will have the functionality that is inherent in the Wii Remote. Not to mention there is the one road block that Microsoft still faces. In Comparison to the Wii Remote in the eyes of the average consumer, it's still ten bazillion buttons.

Nintendo is succeeding in actively courting the Average Consumer. You can pick up the controller and easily understand it almost right off the bat. Microsoft may try and implement a Tilt sensitive controller, but in no way is it going to compare to the ease of use that the Wii Remote has. It just can't. Not if they implement it like the SIXAXIS.

[DangerousDaze]

Actually, it makes a LOT of sense for Microsoft to introduce tilt-sensitive controllers. It neuters one more bullet point that PS3 has.
Why has everything got to be in terms of how it hurts the PS3? Wouldn't you approve of this because it's a good thing for 360 owners?

[Dr.Finger]

Tell you what, if Microsoft release a motion-sensitive controller, I'll donate another 50 bucks to the site. You can literally take that to the bank! :)Witness. .

[Ultima Thulian]

I hope he doesn't pull a Flinxz on y'all...

[Kamalot]

Why has everything got to be in terms of how it hurts the PS3? Wouldn't you approve of this because it's a good thing for 360 owners?

I apologize not spelling it out for you. Not having to buy a $600 console in order to obtain the same features is a GOOD thing for gamers.

[KSmitty]

Actually, it makes a LOT of sense for Microsoft to introduce tilt-sensitive controllers. It neuters one more bullet point that PS3 has.

Remember last week when Spider Man 3 extra content was announced for the PS3 version of the game? That kind of exclusive content would no longer be exclusive to the PS3 if the 360 had a tilt-sensor as well.

If MS implements tilt-sensors in the 360 controller, they lop off PS3's last remaining game advantage like a dead limb.
Still wouldn't work to chop off that limb. Unless the new motion sensing controllers come standard, they would be viewed as an accessory. That means your consumer may or may NOT have one. Its hard to build a game around a feature that your consumer may own a controller that might allow him to access it. Since the feature was not there from launch I think it would be much harder to integrate into the market, making it less viable for developers to make games for it. Power Glove Syndrome.

[SaintArnold]

When I hear "bringing back fun" I think "lowest common denominator." That's all we need is another console loaded with mini-game collections.

Allow me to NeoGAF-ify your post:

non-games ftl

[Khash]

My problem with this whole "bringing back fun" angle is that industry types generally interpret "fun" as meaning mini games and party games, Nintendo included. There's this delusion out there that for a game to be fun, it must be simple. It's entirely possible for a game to be both fun and deep.

Likewise there's a similar train of thought that declares all games must be fun. While this may seem like common sense, I tend to disagree. The mechanic that drives games like World of Warcraft, Oblivion, and Shadow of the Colossus is not fun, but rather a sense of awe at the surrounding world and a desire to explore it. Does that make these games any less masterpieces?
I couldn't have said it better. I totally agree.

[Khash]

Allow me to NeoGAF-ify your post:
I happen to like games with some substance to them. Is that so wrong? :p

[Returner]

A gun and one bullet, do you kill J Allard or Peter Moore?

I would line up Krazy Ken and Phil and hope the bullet goes through both of them.

[TheFlyingOrc]

I happen to like games with some substance to them. Is that so wrong? :p
No, it's not. Now quit judging other people who like simple games, hypocrite.

[RUSKULL]

Microsoft never even hinted at coming out with a motion sensitive controller. He said it would be experimental, and he used the nunchuck as an example for how it worked for Nintendo. Ripping Nintendo off would not merit something as being experimental.

People just assume they will rip off Nintendo because of A: they have zero imagination so they can't think of any other possible way to bring the fun back to games. And B: because Sony has done it so why wouldn't ***oft?

For Microsoft to cook up something experimental, it would have to be in a way that has not been done before, that reaches to the core of what makes things fun AND still not be a gimmick. I can't think of what that can be, and I doubt anyone here can either, and so that's why people just assume "Oh, well it has to be a motion sensitive controller, I mean, what else is there?".

[RUSKULL]

My problem with this whole "bringing back fun" angle is that industry types generally interpret "fun" as meaning mini games and party games, Nintendo included. There's this delusion out there that for a game to be fun, it must be simple. It's entirely possible for a game to be both fun and deep.

Likewise there's a similar train of thought that declares all games must be fun. While this may seem like common sense, I tend to disagree. The mechanic that drives games like World of Warcraft, Oblivion, and Shadow of the Colossus is not fun, but rather a sense of awe at the surrounding world and a desire to explore it. Does that make these games any less masterpieces?

So, you would say that you don't have fun playing those games, nor do you have fun being in awe? I don't know, if a game isn't fun, I will get bored and not play it. I mean, who buys WoW just to walk around and explore and not choose to play? And speaking of exploring, I present you Twilight Princess that is also deep, fun, and made by Nintendo ;)

[Johan]

I for one don't need, nor do I want, motion control as a standard pack-in feature with my 360...EVER.

Third-party accessories? Fine. I'm not interested in swaying/moving/flailing/whatever-else with my hands/arms. Not interested in the slightest.

I'll be getting a Wii eventually, but for the kids primarily.

[Itchyeyes]

So, you would say that you don't have fun playing those games, nor do you have fun being in awe? I don't know, if a game isn't fun, I will get bored and not play it. I mean, who buys WoW just to walk around and explore and not choose to play? And speaking of exploring, I present you Twilight Princess that is also deep, fun, and made by Nintendo ;)

Yes and no. I am entertained, but I'm not sure if that's the same thing. You might equate entertainment with fun, but I doubt Peter Moore does. When I said WoW and Shadow of the Colossus aren't fun, I only meant that they aren't fun in the sense that Peter Moore is talking about here.

When Peter Moore mentions fun, I can almost assure you he's not picturing the next Twilight Princess or Shadow of the Colossus. He's thinking of ridiculously simple party games that anyone can pick up and play for 5 minutes at a time. Like I said before, this is what bugs me when industry types mention the word fun. What they really mean is simple.

[Aleman]

For Microsoft to cook up something experimental, it would have to be in a way that has not been done before, that reaches to the core of what makes things fun AND still not be a gimmick. I can't think of what that can be, and I doubt anyone here can either, and so that's why people just assume "Oh, well it has to be a motion sensitive controller, I mean, what else is there?".

Maybe a more direct interface, like EEG (electroencephalogram, use surface electrodes to capture electrical brain activity) or EMG (electromyogram; use suface electrodes to detect muscle contractions, in, say, your arm). I'm studying biomedical engineering in school and made an EMG amplifier for a class that allowed you to control a motor by making a fist. The circuit could be made more advanced to detect and filter the contractions of specific muscles that flex and extend individual fingers. Now that would be cool but would require at least two electrodes to be temporarily adhered to your arm (perfectly safe though).

But that stuff is pretty far out there and most people probably don't want to stick electrodes to themselves :P

Maybe more practical would be a new motion control API for the Vision camera allowing for 3D control via 2 Vision cameras. I think this was even demonstrated at E3 by some third party and Sony demo'd something similar with the EyeToy. You could hold some wand or something and the cameras could detect its position and orientation in 3D space. That sounds great in theory but probably requires good lighting conditions (unless the Vision cam can detect infrared light) and would require lots more processing power than, say, the Wiimote.

Or maybe a small wireless tablet to allow for DS-style gameplay functions.

Or to think out of the box... maybe they would release a simplified controller, maybe like a SNES-style pad with only a D-pad and a handful fo buttons, aimed at the "casual" gaming crowd and used for specific retail/XBLA games.

[AgentCooper]

You sourced the wrong place Fitbabits. They even have the link to Game Informer in the CVG article. C'mon, you guys are better than that :)

http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200702/N07.0222.1908.40031.htm

[fitbabits]

You sourced the wrong place Fitbabits. They even have the link to Game Informer in the CVG article. C'mon, you guys are better than that :)

http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200702/N07.0222.1908.40031.htm
Bugger and blast! I've corrected the original post...

Nice to have you on board. :)

[Oddmaker]

It's not the control, it's the package and sticker price on it.

The Wii's most dangerous competition is a well marketed, price-dropped, 360 Core, w/some flash memory. Get that under $200 and keep it less than the Wii, and it's a Wii killer. Then have two SKU's above that. One for the gamer (360 + HD). One for the technology geek (360 + huge HD + HDDVD + HDMI).

This flexibility is really what makes Microsoft so potent this generation. Sony & Nintendo are riding the high and low ends, while the 360 plays the market chameleon.
Agree.......Arrg! Cover me back up!......

[Tinderbox]

Tell you what, if Microsoft release a motion-sensitive controller, I'll donate another 50 bucks to the site. You can literally take that to the bank! :)

Time to pony up DD ;) (http://cgi.ebay.com/Microsoft-SideWinder-Freestyle-Pro-Gaming-Controller_W0QQitemZ140067904418QQcmdZViewItem)

/Yes I realize you're talking about the 360 :)

[trip1eX]

I think MS will do something more than just add motion control to the 360 controller.

I mean that would hit with a thud. Oh we copied Sony who lamely tried to copy Nintendo.

Nah I think they will copy the remote and somehow introduce it into the 360 universe.

[Feltoar]

Peter keeps saying things along the lines of "this was our plan all along", so unless their plan included copying Nintendo way back before Nintendo revealed the controller, its not going to be motion sensors. Maybe its gimmicky peripherals like the eye-toy or maybe its something we havent thought of, or maybe its like the Wii channels and Peter is just trying to explain it was always their plan and not a copying idea thing.

But Peter is usually a very honest and frank guy and if he says it was their plan all along I beleive it, and that means its probably not motion sensing.

[jeffool]

bah. Don't do it MS. Totally pointless.Now there's an idea. All they need to do is introduce a game that gives you achievement points for tilting your controller at the right angle and press the right buttons. Insta-classic! ;)

[beefyjr]

It's not the control, it's the package and sticker price on it.

The Wii's most dangerous competition is a well marketed, price-dropped, 360 Core, w/some flash memory. Get that under $200 and keep it less than the Wii, and it's a Wii killer. Then have two SKU's above that. One for the gamer (360 + HD). One for the technology geek (360 + huge HD + HDDVD + HDMI).

This flexibility is really what makes Microsoft so potent this generation. Sony & Nintendo are riding the high and low ends, while the 360 plays the market chameleon.

QFT. If Microsoft or Sony could beat the Wii's price point (though I don't think that they ever could), they would bury Nintendo in the States.

Microsoft has said on numerous occasions that they won't be releasing a motion-based controller for the 360. My money is on something else. It will probably be something stupid, but it definitely won't be a motion controller.

[mister_slim]

J Allard mocked the idea of motion sensors when the Wii was announced, specifically noting MS had experimented with it during the 360's development, so I doubt they'll be adding it.

[bean19]

Think about the kinds of things that your Mom would like to do on a game console. My mom likes the Wii. We got them a Wii for Xmas. However, she really just plays it when we visit and it is more like an electronic board game to her. The motion-sensing controls aren't a big deal to her at all.

Things that my Mom would probably LOVE to do (and that I think the 360 will give her - some of these are already there):

1. Easily have video-chat with friends and family on a big screen that can have more than one person "watch" it. Talking to the television is really ideal.

2. Send text messages and e-mails. Already possible, but poorly supported without a wireless keyboard.

3. Play simple games together. This is a big one. I think that games like You Don't Know Jack! and board games like Monopoly, Spades, etc. that are online would really go off fantastically with my Mom. However, they need to support multiple users from each location while also going online for other users.

4. Work as a "Tivo" device - already on the way.

5. Pay bills - don't see this happening.

6. Shopping - don't see this happening in anything more than a web browser and then the PC is probably preferable.

7. Affordable price - This is a matter of time really. It will eventually get affordable, but if they really want this "market" then they need to lower the price. Microsoft could realistically make up for quite large losses on the console if this market buys the system as they will probably have many more online purchases than hardcore gamers do. I know that I've spent less than $10 on the marketplace and that was really me just paying to experiment with the new downloadable media features.

The "Zephyr" is probably going to be a huge part of this. They'll probably sell this with a discount along with the new internet service. This is a good PR move too as they can say that the Zephyr has more features because it is a spruced up 360 designed to be an extremely sophisticated "cable box". This will make sense because the internet service needed to really make the Zephyr worth it's extra features will only be available in certain areas (initially).

Maybe they'll run a special for those areas that will have this internet service that allows customers to turn in 360s that they bought already for a Zephyr if they sign up for the internet service. That would be a very big PR move and they could use these units in their refurbishing warehouse to send to customers who have broken units.

[drakkarim]

news flash, include fracking solid mouse/keyboard support and you'll get a ton of new buys in no time.

i don't give a crap about motion sensing or rumble or any of that crap, i want precision controls.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

I have no idea what MS is thinking of "experimenting" with, but I can almost guarantee it will be a flop.

Add ons always flop. It's practically scientific law. :p

[Doctor Setebos]

The Wii's most dangerous competition is a well marketed, price-dropped, 360 Core, w/some flash memory. Get that under $200 and keep it less than the Wii, and it's a Wii killer.I don't understand. Why does the 360 need to be a "Wii killer"? I don't get the drive to destroy here.

I'm through with the console piss matches. Can't we all just get along? :(

[xplics]

I'd really rather MS just stuck with what they are doing now...

Yeah I am thinking the same exact thing. I kind of prefer the rumble for my 360 right now. If I wanted motion senseing I would play the wifes wii more often.

[Bravado]

I'd like to see a nice balance between the two ends of the control debate, MS and Nintendo, with Sony nestled uncomfortably inbetween.