Microsoft sees no point in Xbox 360 motion controllers “if nobody really wants it”

3 April 2007

Posted by:Ferry

Microsoft’s Developer Group GM Chris Satchell has told CVG: “One thing I’m not certain of is that third-parties are super-excited about that motion control – or at least they’re not showing it with the games that are hitting the shelves yet. We’re yet to see a really good game on Wii that really says ‘OK that control kicked ass’.”

As for the PS3 Sixaxis controller: “I think the jury’s way out on that. I don’t know if it’s really that meaningful or not. So I think the jury’s out on whether everybody really wants [motion control] so we’ll wait and see.”

He also said that the company will wait and see how demand for motion-sensitive controllers grows before developing its own SixAxis / Wii Remote-like controller.

These remarks are the opposite of claims made last August by Microsoftâ€™s product unit manager for hardware Robert S. Walker who said the company had in fact already done tests with Xbox 360 motion-sensing controller prototypes, and indicated that the users were split 50-50 on whether or not they liked the motion-sensing versus the standard analog stick movement.

As you may know, Microsoft made a PC controller with motion sensing features in the mid-1990s, so they aren’t new to it. The question remains for Xbox 360 owners to answer: Do you want motion controller games? What I think? I’ve got a Wii as well, so I’m fine either way.

Categories: News

Fil Sapia

Evan though it may sound bazaar, I agree with not having Motion Sensitive gameplay. There is no need in motion sensitive gaming. Gaming is designed for entertainment, for the userâ€™s capabilities, motion sensitive gaming takes away all the original and exiting game play. I think Motion Sensitive gaming is ridiculous and useless.
Ron L

First I should say I am an avid motorcycle rider and ex racer. I am not a big-time gamer. I believe the controller from the 90′s was for a game called “Motocross Madness”. This controller was pitch sensitive and you leaned the bars / controller to turn the bike. It was a great intuitive interface that responded very much like a real bike. I just bought a x-box 360 system and the moto-gp 07 game. The graphic and tracks are awesome but using my thumb to turn the bike SUCKS… The old game with the old controller was way closer to really riding a bike. Look at the success of guitar hero IE the interface should fit the activity you are emulating / end of story..
http://na Stephen Humble

Simple solution Sixaxis – sounds like you would love motorstorm. Tilt steering rocks myself am semi-serious MTB rider and cyclist and ex motorcycle owner with unlimited class licence, i took to motorstorm’s tilt steering like a duck to water, so you probably would to.

Myself -I never owned a console before but with my real-life experiencce picked up the tilt steering in no time. and Motorstorm is rocks with motion sensing – Warning bike’s take a little longer to get used too at low speed if you oversteer but i have no probs. Best part is hit the nitro all the way on the long sections feels like you are hitting warp speed at the end of the run, – the sensitive tilt steering at this speed can keep you on a perfect line. On MStorm demo i come in under 500 with the springbok and win every time with any car or bike.

Any hardcore thumbstick players who think tilt steer is crap cause thay cant adapt to it can speak to my hand cause thumbsticks are nothing like a real car or bike.
tony

If the microsoft product manager should be aware that how well a motion sensitive controller emulates an actual human movement is key to its success. Wii does not have great motion control technology. I have played Wii sports and would give it a 4/10 for accurately portraying your movements on screen. If Xbox had better motion sensitive controllers than Wii coupled with the better graphics we have come to be accustomed to with Xbox then this would be a winning combination for Xbox. The product manager has to stop taking orders from the couch potatoe Xbox fans who prefer using 1970′s toggle stick technology. There are many of us fans who want a more realistic experience.