playstation motion controller
Latest
Rumor: PlayStation Motion Controller codenamed 'Sphere'
Neither Microsoft nor Sony have "official" names for their respective motion projects. At the very least, Microsoft has donned a far more attractive (and marketable) codename for its tech: "Project Natal," versus the clunky-but-aptly titled "PlayStation Motion Controller."One name Sony may be using with developers is "Sphere," a word that highlights the glowing, colored orb central to the motion controller's technology. Sega producer Yasuhito Baba and his translator both referred to the controller as "Sphere" during an interview at Tokyo Game Show last month. Polyphony Digital's Kazunori Yamauchi also talked about the PlayStation Motion Controller when we asked him if Gran Turismo would support the "Sphere" peripheral.Sony representatives we chatted with admitted they were unfamiliar with the "Sphere" name, meaning it may be strictly a development codename for now.
TGS 2009: Interview: Gran Turismo 5's Kazunori Yamauchi
During Tokyo Game Show last week we crashed Polyphony Digital's studio and chatted up Kazunori Yamauchi about ... Gran Turismo 6? Wait -- what? Just watch the interview.Selected excerpts below:Joystiq: Are there any plans to bring Gran Turismo PSP's "Party Mode" to GT5?Yamauchi: I'm glad you noticed that. What we really worked hard to make the PSP portable fun and interesting is in those types of details. Obviously, these are ideas we worked hard on and they will be carried over in some form into GT5.In Gran Turismo, with its ten years of history, the people that who good at playing the game are really, really good at playing the game. Of course, there are a lot of first-time players that want to get into the game, and it was a major theme for us to develop the game so it would be easier for them to get into it. With the party races and these game modes we've developed for the PSP, we've come to one solution for that aspect.
TGS 2009: Motion-controlled LittleBigPlanet demo is grief-filled
Anyone who's ever played LittleBigPlanet knows that the experience is enriched when played with friends -- but what if one of your "friends" was not a Sackboy in the context of the game, but rather, an invisible agent of divine intervention? Think of it: He or she could effortlessly lift objects through the air, discard obstacles, bridge gaps or, depending on their temperament, instantly murder you. Sony and Media Molecule are teaming up to incorporate this unsettling omnipotence into the customizable platformer with the launch of the PlayStation Motion Controller. You can check out a video of the motion-controlled LBP multiplayer demo (culled from Sony's Tokyo Game Show keynote) after the jump. Fans of the title might see this new functionality as a bold evolution Media Molecule's lovable game -- we see it as an unprecedented advancement in hilarious griefing technology. [Via Kotaku]
TGS 2009: Motion-controlled Resident Evil 5 caught on video
Remember when it was first announced that Resident Evil 5 wasn't coming to the Wii, and fans got really upset, because Resident Evil 4 on the Wii was totally awesome? It seems that decision wasn't made due to Capcom's oversight of said awesomeness -- rather, it looks like they chose to bring that experience to the PS3 with the ball-pointed PlayStation Motion Controller. Seriously, check out this gameplay sample (video posted after the break) from Sony's TGS keynote and tell us that doesn't look exactly like RE4 on the Wii. Okay, the PS3 version is significantly prettier -- and due to the fact that Sony's controller has no nunchuck (which forces the player to hold a SIXAXIS in one hand and the wand in another) the controls look a bit more awkward this time around. [Via VG247]
Under Siege bumped to Spring 2010, adds motion controller support
Apparently, Seed Studios was intrigued by the PlayStation Motion Controller demo that was shown off during E3 -- particularly the part that showed how the peripheral could be used in a real-time strategy game. The developer recently announced that the release of its upcoming PSN strategy title Under Siege had been bumped to Spring 2010 in order to incorporate the sphere-tipped device into the game's control scheme. Seed will also be working to add a few more features to the game before its dealyed launch, including a replay editor, photo mode, and picture-in-picture video chat. That last part is unfortunate -- as with all methods of motion control, we don't really want to circulate footage of us flailing about with a colorful wand grasped in our oafish claws. %Gallery-43637%
PlayStation Motion Controller on track for Spring 2010 release, software detailed
We just got our first brief taste of some of the retrofitted PS3 titles which would support Sony's new, tentatively-named PlayStation Motion Controller during Sony's TGS 2009 keynote. However, a piping hot press release gave us some of the most detailed info on the peripheral to date -- most notable of which is the re-confirmation that the hardware is still on track for a Spring 2010 release. Equally as titillating is a comprehensive list of first-party "Motion Controller dedicated and compatible titles" which are set to drop (or in the case of the pre-existing titles, receive the new functionality via a patch) throughout 2010:Software Titles for Motion Controller from SCE Worldwide Studios Ape Escape (Working Title) Echochrome 2 (Working Title) Eccentric Slider (Working Title) Sing and Draw (Working Title) Champions of Time (Working Title) Motion Party (Working Title) The Shoot (Working Title) Tower (Working Title) PAIN*Flower*Hustle Kings*High Velocity Bowling*EyePet* * Motion control function will be added by network update, etc.
TGS 2009: Sony adding motion to existing titles, new RE5 with motion coming Spring 2010 [update]
During Sony's second press conference at the Tokyo Game Show, Capcom's Jun Takeuchi took the stage to demo the PlayStation 3's new motion controller with his game, Resident Evil 5. That's right, Sony will be bringing motion control to a handful of existing titles, including a re-released RE5 in Resident Evil 5: Director's Cut this coming Spring.Sony also showed off LittleBigPlanet being controlled by two people, one wielding a motion wand while the other used a DualShock 3. Apparently a mess of other titles will be getting the motion treatment -- 13 in total (seen here, mostly in Japanese see update below) -- with Flower and Pain standing out as notable examples. Update: We've got the full list right here.%Gallery-73849%
PS3 Motion Controller confirmed for next spring, finally ready for its close-ups
We've heard plenty about Sony's PS3 Motion Controller, but we hadn't actually seen a press shot of it until now. Looks pretty PlayStation-ey, wouldn't you say? Sony has also confirmed that spring 2010 is the launch window (with those rumors of a March date in Japan floating around). It can't come soon enough! At the TGS announcement Kaz Hirai reiterated that the controller will meet the "stringent" requirements of hardcore gamers -- which is always a comfort, no matter how much of that gamer-pleasing will have to come from the actual games themselves. Hit up the read link for Joystiq's live coverage of the Sony keynote from TGS! Update: Press release! %Gallery-73841%
Rumor: Leaked minutes from Sega/Sony meeting reveal PS2 and Dreamcast on PSN, much more
Okay, buckle up -- there's a whole lot to take in here. As discovered by French site Objectif-SEGA, Sega's public relations FTP site recently got a titillating addition: The alleged minutes from an August 5 meeting between the Hedgehog-centric publisher and Sony Computer Entertainment America. (The document is reproduced in its entirety after the break.) The biggest, potential news from this document concerns SCEA's general plans for the future. One excerpt from the minutes lists a Spring 2010 launch window for the PlayStation Motion Controller -- specifically March for Japan. Another noteworthy section mentions a "PS2 emulator for PS3," claiming that "SCEA wants to sell all PS2 titles on PSN." Later in the document, the possibility of Dreamcast titles on PSN is also suggested, in addition to a "Japanese Import" section. This leak has an air of credibility due to its appearance on Sega's public FTP media resource center -- however, it's entirely possible that it could have been uploaded to said FTP site by a hack-savvy Dreamcast enthusiast. Maintain your skepticism as you browse the full document. Update: The document has been removed from Sega's FTP site, but we've got further analysis right here! [Via NeoGAF]
Square Enix President predicts Wii HD for 2011, doesn't see big impact for PS3 and Xbox motion controls
Image courtesy of GAME Watch Sure, they sound like the words of a man who hasn't begun development of any motion-controlled titles for the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, but we're still intrigued by President of Square Enix Yoichi Wada's statement (he's the guy on the left) that the motion control additions to the PS3 and Xbox 360 aren't that big of deal. He cites the other "pillars" of console use (like video playback) that somehow make motion controls a minor player -- though we'd say the Wii's sales numbers would beg to differ. Speaking of the Wii, Yoichi thinks all three major consoles will start to look rather the same by 2011, when believes the Wii followup will hit the market -- in line with other rumors we've heard for the "Wii HD." Three "HD" consoles with similar input options and similar graphics output certainly sounds like a boon for developers, we just hope there are enough similarities in the control systems and enough "impact" in PS3 and Xbox motion control sales to make mega triple-platform motion-controlled blockbusters feasible. [Via Joystiq]
Square Enix head predicts new Wii in 2011, says motion 'impact' for Xbox, PlayStation will be 'small'
The new motion controllers for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are likely to make big appearances at this year's Tokyo Game Show. While both Microsoft and Sony are attempting to take away some of Nintendo's mindshare with its new controllers, Square Enix head Yoichi Wada believes neither company will be truly successful. "Present game machines already have a lot of functions: they are a network terminal, a Blu-ray or DVD player, and a gaming machine. Compared to these three pillars, the [new motion] controllers are quite limited, so the impact may be small," Wada told the Financial Times.Wada also believes that the three platforms will start looking more like each other by the year 2011, when he believes Nintendo will release the fabled successor of the Wii. The system will add features found on the PS3/360, and may also introduce a brand new controller. It'll certainly be interesting to see what moves consumers when an HD Nintendo system exists concurrently with motion-enabled Microsoft and Sony systems.
Video: PS3 Motion Controller demo -- now with more awesome, less shaky
Playstation.Blog has posted a new video recreating Sony's E3 demo of the Playstation Motion Controller. Well, most of the E3 demo, anyway -- the video does not recreate the nifty sword and bow demonstrations. Still, the rest of the demo, including spray paint, pencils, FPS mode, RTS gameplay and the manipulation of several different objects is all there. Even better, now the footage is in focus and shaky-cam free. Also, since the demo is no longer limited to the time (and nerve) constraints of E3, the technology wizards behind Sony's want get to explain everything in more detail. There's also a few things revealed that Sony didn't have time to show at E3, like fire-breathing domino snakes. Seriously. Find the full video after the break.
Hearsay: Sony motion controller opens door for Wii-to-PS3 ports
Here's something we're betting Sony will want to wish away using its "magic wand." Speaking with 1UP, Capcom producer Jun Takeuchi (Resident Evil 5) noted, "Speaking to other developers in Japan, I've heard a few of them say they were delighted by the Sony motion controller because they can just port over their Wii titles to the PS3."We're going to be optimistic here and presume these devs are at least considering a fresh coat of pixels for their ports. It's probably of more concern that, outside of Nintendo's first-party offerings, we've yet to see many studios even get Wii motion control right. Somehow, it's hard to picture Sony saying, "Yes, we welcome your waggle-infused minigame compilations with open arms!" Then again, PS3 "does everything" -- maybe even Wii games.
Red Steel 2 director would 'love' to see series on 360, PS3
During a Q&A session following the PAX demo of Red Steel 2, creative director Jason VandenBerghe told Joystiq that he would "love" to see Red Steel arrive on other platforms. When asked about the possibilities of the new motion control options headed to PS3 and Xbox 360, VandenBerghe said, "I personally would love to see any and all consoles have more sword fighting experiences." He then added that any decision to develop the series on other consoles would be up to Ubisoft. Here's hoping Ubisoft decides to throw us more than a deluge of Rabbids once the 360 and PS3 climb aboard the motion control bandwagon.
See early prototypes of the PlayStation Motion Controller
The PlayStation Motion Controller has been in development for a long, long time. While many make fun of its unique ball and stick shape, the controller has clearly come a long way from the earliest prototypes, seen here in the hands of SCEA software engineer Anton Mikhailov. According to Mikhailov, the first controller designs were constructed from gear purchased at a Home Depot.A new video from the PlayStation.Blog doesn't reveal new details about the controller. You can watch it after the break, and see Sony's Wii-competitor in action.[Thanks, jeremy23j!]
Sega hopes to activate Natal, Sony Motion plans in early 2010
"I kind of think of it as the land of bunsen burners and test tubes," Sega West president Mike Hayes recently told IndustryGamers, commenting on the company's experimentation with Microsoft's Project Natal and Sony's motion controller. Hayes claims that while Sega is still getting into the swing, kick and jump of things, it hopes to toss out official announcements in early 2010. "We have our ideas and we know what we want to do, but the technology is pretty new, particularly with Natal, so we've got to get to grips with the technology and see if it can do what we want it [to] do," he said.Of course, turning your body into a controller is something Sega wanted to do back in the days of the Genesis. With Microsoft and Sony taking care of the hard part, perhaps it's time to bust out all those unused Activator concept games.
Take-Two working with Project Natal, PlayStation Motion Controller devkits
During Take-Two's investors call today, CEO Ben Feder confirmed that the company has taken delivery of both Project Natal and PlayStation Motion Controller development hardware and that the former is "embedded in all of our studios, or just about all of our studios," according to VG247. Feder wouldn't address specific titles, but assured those listening in that "everybody's working with them to try to figure out new ways in which we can innovate and create the kind of content that this company is famous for." While many are probably imagining a motion-control infused Grand Theft Auto right about now, we'd like to cast a vote for a follow-up to Bully, wherein we actually get to "perform" the swirlies, wedgies and plentiful pummelings.
Sony R&D explains some background on the PlayStation motion controller
Well, it's no GameGun, but we hear this "PlayStation motion controller" thing from Sony is going to be "kind of a big deal." The SCEA R&D team was kind enough to put together some behind the scenes footage detailing a bit of the genesis of the controller and some of its technical prowess, and according to Sony this should be just enough of a calculated tease to get us excited for TGS in late September. We feel so manipulated. Video is after the break. [Via Engadget Spanish]
Analog trigger squeezes its way onto PlayStation Motion Controller
Sony's R&D guru Richard Marks made a recent appearance on the PlayStation.Blog to talk more about the PlayStation Motion Controller. In a new seven minute video (after the break), Marks spent a bit more time going through the various technology demos first unveiled during E3. While Sony commented that the ball-on-a-stick design was simply a prototype, the controller in Marks's hand doesn't appear to be very different (if at all) to what was shown earlier this year.In addition to reiterating claims of its accuracy and the importance of tactile buttons, Marks mentioned a few details that you may not have known about the controller. Firstly, he talks about the controller's analog trigger: "It has this analog trigger which really is a great metaphor for squeezing and grabbing. So you can grab and you can put as much pressure as you want to grab something with, which is really great for picking things up or for giving you the ability to just interact with the scene in a way that's completely different than we've been able to do before."Next, he confirms that the controller will be able to rumble, much like Nintendo's Wii Remote. "It can give you some feedback about what's happening through rumble, which is very private and only you are getting." Private? We're not sure that's the best word (note: link slightly NSFW) to use when describing force feedback.
PS3 motion games: Dual wanding not required
Did Dirty Harry ever need a second Model 29 to mop up the streets? No sir. Likewise, you'll get by just fine with one PS3 motion controller on your person. "We are approaching the launch [of the PlayStation motion controller] by making sure that all games that we create can be played with one controller and the camera," Sony boss Shuhei Yoshida assured penny-pinching purchasers during a recent interview with Eurogamer.Of course, adding a second motion controller to your loadout could really make the magic happen: "It's like putting your arms into the TV, like a gaming space, and you have total control of the 3D space in front of you," Yoshida described of the experience of dual wanding.Woah. Did anyone else just feel that? For a second there we were totally transported into the fourth dimension.
