In2Games shows off Gametrak Freedom: motion controller for Xbox 360 / PS3

We're tempted to say that peripheral makers are taking this whole motion controlling thing a touch too far, but we suppose there's no stopping "progress," huh? In2Games, the outfit that already sought to bring motion sensing to the PS2, has just unveiled the first image of its motion controller for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The Wii Nunchuck-esque Gametrak Freedom is explained as being a "remarkable ultrasonic 3D motion sensing technology which delivers performance, control and flexibility far in excess of that offered by existing technologies." Supposedly, the device tracks the true 3D position and "precise movements of up to four players anywhere within a given environment," though it remains to be seen how much support it'll get from software developers. Initially, the controller will launch alongside undisclosed titles that can utilize the tech, but as for now, all you have to look forward to is Squeeballs. Yes, Squeeballs.

[Dave Chappelle @ Sep 16th 2008 8:19AM]

THIS THING LOOKS FAIL will PS3 third party devs use this thing? do they even use Six Axis.

[Flashpoint @ Sep 16th 2008 12:26PM]

Nintendo killed Manhunt 2 for Wii because they didn't want kids playing out "stabbings" using the Wii mote.

If you can bring THAT KIND of gameplay to my living room.... well you're damn right I'm buyin'

[allislost @ Sep 16th 2008 8:22AM]

I want head-tracking FPShooters!

[jptech @ Sep 16th 2008 9:44AM]

Boooooooom, HEADSHOT!

[maveric101 @ Sep 16th 2008 11:22AM]

you're not my friend, buddy.

[maveric101 @ Sep 16th 2008 11:24AM]

sorry, wrong person.

[Dave Chappelle @ Sep 16th 2008 8:24AM]

IT SAYS 0 COMMENTS BUT I MADE A COMMENT 1 MINUTE AGO.....???

AOL + Forum systems = fail.

[Dave Chappelle @ Sep 16th 2008 8:25AM]

oh shit here comes the low rankings.



... i refreshed 2 times! i promise.. be merciful..

[Christian Walters @ Sep 16th 2008 8:32AM]

how about no?

[Biomech @ Sep 16th 2008 8:32AM]

You're talking to yourself buddy.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Sep 16th 2008 3:47PM]

Dave Chappelle (Fake DC) + Engadget = EPIC FAIL.

[Kspraydad @ Sep 16th 2008 8:30AM]

In2Games was just bought by PDP. That would be Pelican to most of you. Makers of all kinds of plasticy gaming crap.
http://www.pdp.com/

[Erwos @ Sep 16th 2008 8:38AM]

Doesn't have IR pointing, or so it would seem.

[Adderz @ Sep 16th 2008 8:41AM]

Things like this are destined to fail. They only work when they are officially endorsed by Sony or Microsoft, or included with the system from the get go.

How do you expect developers to develop games when only 5 people own the thing?

[Ayman @ Sep 16th 2008 8:44AM]

honestly!! i was reading this article then i noticed the advertisement engadget placed here about apple vs PC ads, i loved it and it really got my attention.

So back to the sensing 3d controller, are they thick headed or something, we know why the don't make a Wii version, and both Xbox and PS have rumors about new sensing technology, why not also make it a PC (or a mac, thanks to the ad) compatible. (yes I know there are products that have the sensing technology, but none are gaming)

[jptech @ Sep 16th 2008 9:44AM]

That is fugly.
It's definitely no darwin controller.

what games can we reasonably expect to be fun with this "thing"

[Jon Acheson @ Sep 16th 2008 10:05AM]

Ultrasonic... that explains the color scheme: it's a Bat Controller! :)

[Brent @ Sep 16th 2008 10:14AM]

I hate motion sensing. I hope it dies a horrible death.

[burriot_avatar @ Sep 16th 2008 11:14AM]

If this tracks the "true 3D position" do you think the controller will know it's flying out my front window onto the road to be crushed by the passing cars? It's more satisfying if it knows what's coming.

[Bratan @ Sep 16th 2008 11:28AM]

Yes Finally! I was thinking why the heck they didn't release these games/controllers for XBox 360 before? I love concept of Wii sport games (i.e. tennis), but Wii itself is so underpowered. I don't want to buy two game consoles, when everything can be done with one...

[Bratan @ Sep 16th 2008 11:30AM]

And cut the wire, it has to be wireless!

[Cat Beater96 @ Sep 16th 2008 11:30AM]

FAIL...

IMO motion sensing/ control is a cheesy fad for casual gamers and people thinking way way outside the box. Even if they tighten the controls, still crap. Try using that in an FPS a la CoD4 vs a mouse/ controller setup. Pffft!

Thanks Wii...

[Andy Anonymous @ Sep 16th 2008 12:03PM]

They need to stop with this. The Wii controller is a success because it's built in with the console and is basically mandatory for game developers to design around. On the other hand, any time you have an optional third party peripheral, it just won't get a lot of software support. If you're a developer, why would you design a game around something that a lot of users of the console don't own? It's already hard enough getting a game to sell.

[nobb @ Sep 16th 2008 1:55PM]

This device can monitor its orientation relative to other players in 3D. Imagine playing a tennis-double in front of a wall on which a beamer projects your side of the court. I think that this a big developement in therms of immersion and could be lots of fun to play with, when games are programmed to support this. As to FPS: the controller might not be suitable for your standard FPS, but you could develop FPS to take advantage of it. I think this deeper immersion in the game, where your body-movement and orientation are reflected on screen, would appeal more to me than just sitting in front of my computer with a mouse and hitting wasd to move through a virtual world.
As developer you could enclose the controller in a game, as they did it with guitar hero, which is a great success.

[Mega Math @ Sep 16th 2008 6:23PM]

If we wanted motion controllers, we would buy the Wii. And that is why we didn't buy the Wii. Childish and crappy grapics.
We don't need to jump around while playing halo. We want to relax!