Not to be outdone in the motion-control business, Sony revealed their own gesture controller at their E3 2009 Sony Press Conference.
Although only a prototype, what started out as a seeming Wii Remote knock-off got more and more interesting as the stage demo went on.
Using the Eye Toy camera and controllers that were shaped like a stick with a ball on top (a ball that . . . glows), players are able to use the controllers, individually or one in each hand, in order to make their on-screen character literally hold and use the object in their hands. Exactly mimicking the motions of the player (in accurate 1:1 degree). In addition, because it’s a camera you can literally be in the game while using in-game objects that are held and swung just as you do in real-life (such as a baseball bat or a sword).
The accuracy and speed was impressive. It was so accurate that the demonstrater was able to write his name on the in-game wall without a problem.
But the demo got much more impressive when the controllers were used in ways that you would realistically see in actual games. By using two Motion Controllers he was able to shoot a bow that was realistic to the point that not only did he have to pull the arrow out of the quiver on his back; but he even could shoot more accurately by kneeling. Another cool demonstration had him fighting with a sword and shield with one controller in each hand. Additionally Sony also mentioned how the controllers are tracked in 3D space so you can do things you can’t do on the Wii, such as reach AROUND an in-game object or opponent.
Sony expects to release the PS3 Motion Controllers in the spring of 2010. It’ll be interesting to see what the final design will look like.
Here is part two of the stage demonstration, continued from part one above.