GDC09: GameTrak Freedom motion controller detailed
Performance Designed Products (PDP) has come to GDC prepared to showcase the latest model of it's new creation, the GameTrak Freedom -- a motion controller for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Planned to be released on Microsoft's console this fall, and the PS3 (potentially) next year, the Freedom acts like current motion controllers on the market but adds a special feature. Through the use of accelerometers, the Freedom establishes the pitch, roll, and yaw of the controller but, unlike other motion devices, it can calculate the precise distance, orientation, and speed of the controller with the use of two side-mounted sensor bars.
According to IGN, third-party companies are already developing titles for the Freedom but PDP has taken the reigns by developing it's own launch title: Squeeballs. Currently in development by PDP owned, In2Games, Squeeballs is a mini-game collection, which includes a total of 150 challenges across 11 different games.
After ages of Xbox 360 motion controller rumors that have led to nothing official, we wonder if Microsoft's console is in need of such a device. Arguments could be made that the release of You're In the Movies attempted to test the waters for peripheral based games (not associated with Rock or Heroes), but mild interest in that family friendly venture could prove that Microsoft isn't fooling anyone into thinking the Xbox 360 is something it isn't.
Interestingly enough, due to the Freedom's precision, players will actually have to put effort into movements unlike the faked wrist-flicks done in current gesture-based games. In other words, buy a pane of bulletproof glass to put in front of your television this fall. The (cute, yet disturbing) trailer for Squeeballs is available after the break.
[Thanks, Niko O.!]
