We already know that there's a PlayStation motion controller in development (and damn you Nintendo for making this crap a fad, I want to sit in a lazy pile on my sofa with a controller in my hand and not move like the good old days). Seems like maybe it might have a mysterious codename too though: Sphere. At least, this Joystiq interview at TGS sure makes it look that way.
Both Sega producer Yasuhito Baba and his translator referred to the controller under this name, and while it may be a working name, it sure beats "Sony PlayStation Motion Controller". However, Sony reps say they are unfamiliar with the name. It got me thinking, though -- what would it be like to play games holding a controller shaped like a ball?
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Contest:
1:00 AM on 10.06.2009
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Wait, no it isn't.
if they call it the sphere they can have a nice cup of fuck off.
Then again, this is coming from the company who came up with "sixaxis." Gah, too many X's!
It's certainly better than the waggle we have today that just feels straight up idiotic in some games.
The name's a good 'un, I would despair if they did call it the 'wand'.
Thought the same thing.
I thought there were South Park fans here.
Also, the name makes me think that the ball on the wand is the most important part, and the final product wont be a complete wand, but rather the ball with a mini-USB connetion...or something. If anything though, it might just be a tenative codename that Sega people are using to refer to it with.
PisS take
Sure, maybe in time it'll become it's own part of the industry (though I doubt it), but anybody who thinks motion controls are going to push traditional controls out the door has another thing coming.
That being said, PSph3re works, ha ha. Though I'm honestly wondering who is going to buy it.
A fad that's gone on for three years and has had massive business success? That sounds like the opposite of a fad. That sounds like straight-up change.
By the way, why is it that when anybody mentions controllers (hmm?), they neglect to mention we haven't been using the Xbox 360 controller for the past 30 years. Pong and a couple older consoles used a dial, Atari had the Joystick, and Nintendo brought in the NES pad. Since the NES, we haven't bothered changing the controller, only "improving" the last one (pad). Nintendo has found the next steps (touch screen, Motion Control), and has started their company (and all of gaming) on that path.
Motion controls are the future. If you can't accept them, you'll be left in the past with the old farts who still moan the death of the Atari Joystick (they exist). Someday they'll be good enough for you (that day is probably now with Motion Plus, and you just won't be enticed until some good games are made with it (and I won't fault you for that)). Otherwise... (Games just to be good back in my day!)
Sony - develop a motion control system, similar, but more advanced than what's currently selling well, aim it at your core market, aim to enhance your current market's experience, spend a long time developing it, probably delay it, don't worry about naming it yet, such things are less important than the actual tech, use unfinished, funny looking development hardware to show it off, allow silly names like Sphere to just drop onto it as development progresses.
Microshaft - Develop a simple camera based motion control system that'll grab some of those casual dollars, develop some pretty looking demo, give it a funky name, get some hype going, get some marketing ready, launch, wait for cash to roll in.
It kind of highlights why i refuse to give MS my money and why i'm always happy with my Sony purchases. It's all about SUBSTANCE whereas Microshaft are all about MARKETING.
All show, no go.