You might recall that back in May, Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, announced some significant changes in leadership across several of the company’s divisions. One of these included the company’s Entertainment and Division. While the changes weren’t announced with any real drama, it was apparent to many that Ballmer is trying to find that magic combination of leaders, employees, and ideas that will result in phenomenal successes like rival Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and iEverythingElse.
So, fast forward to June. E3 2010 kicks off, making Los Angeles, CA, the temporary gaming center of the universe. We have expected (and seen) big surprises like the Nintendo 3DS, exciting new games, and… Wait. What’s this? Could Microsoft have finally found the magic formula? They call it Kinect. It looks promising, but can it rescue Microsoft from technological mediocrity?
Over the past year, we’ve heard a lot of rumors about Kinect, but it had another name. Project Natal, as it was referred to, has been in the works for some time now. It seems Microsoft was planning on unveiling it officially at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). So what is it exactly? Kinect is a motion-sensing game system that plugs into the Xbox 360. Already popular among many gamers, Microsoft is banking on the addition of motion-sensing technology to catapult it ahead of competitors like Nintendo and Sony.
Prior to the start of E3 2010, we had seen some glimpses into Kinect, via demos of a Star Wars game that include Jedi Knights engaged in lightsaber battles. This week’s E3 events also showed potential buyers the potential for “in the game” action, via Kinect Sports. Most of the feedback and initial reviews have been positive. While some liken the sports titles to those of the Nintendo Wii, others point out that the integration of true motion sensing technology can take players even further into the gameplay. For many, this could be the determining factor when choosing a gaming console.
That brings up the other important determining factor…the price. While Microsoft has announced that Kinect will go on sale on November 4, 2010 (coincidentally, the beginning of the holiday season), they have yet to announce how much it will be. Estimates by industry experts have ranged from $50 to $200. Obviously, staying closer to the lower end of those estimates is crucial for Microsoft, since many players may be reluctant to spend another $150 to $200 for a device that plugs into the pricey Xbox 360. Add to that the fact that they’ll have to shell out additional dollars for games specifically designed for Kinect, and the price point becomes even more critical.
All of this relates back to the May shakeup over at Microsoft. Ballmer and his team are looking for the magic formula. They may very well have found it in Kinect. Now, the trick is for them to capitalize upon it and carefully measure their decisions, between now and November. Otherwise, they could end up with the same scenario they saw yesterday, with the release of Office 2010. It happened, but no one noticed, over the roar of the Apple iPhone 4 preorders. Only time will tell if Microsoft can achieve phenomenal success, and, as usual, it all depends on them.
For more information on Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360, visit the official homepage, where you can see game titles, features, specifications, and demo videos.
It might be too pricey, but I think it's all worth it. Just imagine being yourself as the controller, exciting, right? I'm really looking forward to get hold of this console!