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TGS 09: These are the developers working on Project Natal photo

Since we first heard about Microsoft's spiffy new Project Natal motion tech in June, the same time development kits were issued, studios have been hard at work. What have they been working on, you ask?

We don't know, and Microsoft won't spill the beans. However, the company is more than willing to tell us which teams our working with Natal, and what they all think of the device.

The big list of companies includes: Activision Blizzard, Bethesda Softworks, Capcom, Disney Interactive, Electronic Arts, Konami, MTV Games, Namco Bandai, Sega, Square Enix, THQ, and Ubisoft.

Uh, holy crap! Combined, these guys account for more than 70% of third-party software sales. You'll want to hear what these developers have to say about Project Natal after the break. Warning: it's a load of PR speak, but I'd say it's still somewhat insightful.

Don Mattrick, senior vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft:

'Project Natal' gives the industry’s creators and storytellers the freedom to dream of new experiences and to tell stories never before possible.  The support of these creative partners testifies to the excitement that ‘Project Natal’ is generating among the most innovative minds in the industry, and is proof that Xbox 360 not only offers the best games and entertainment today, but will lead with innovation and new ways to have fun in the future.

Peter Moore, president of EA Sports:

Microsoft's ‘Project Natal’ could fundamentally change the way players experience sports games. At EA, some of our top development teams are experimenting with these tools with the goal of delivering a completely fresh take on genres like sports and racing.

Dusty Welch, senior vice president and head of Publishing at Activision Blizzard:

Activision is encouraged by the innovation that Project Natal will bring to the industry and how it can transform consumers’ video games experience. We have development teams working on Project Natal development kits to explore the creative possibilities this new technology affords.

Keiji Inafune, managing corporate officer and head of Research & Development Management Group at Capcom:

I strongly feel that ‘Project Natal’ will expand the possibilities of gaming. It’s yet another component that adds to the appeal of Xbox 360 and demonstrates to users the broad level of entertainment it provides. Personally, I too am extremely excited about ‘Project Natal.’ It’s really going to stir up our creative spirits. I think it’s going to bring new ways to play and new surprises to Xbox 360 fans and help further the development of completely original content. ‘Project Natal’ is definitely something people should look out for.

Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft:

Ubisoft sees enormous opportunities with ‘Project Natal.’ With the 3-D camera, your body can become the interface. Any barrier related to the use of pad controllers that may have existed for potential gamers is now abolished. Ubisoft is already taking advantage of this major evolution to design new types of gaming experiences and attract more people to play video games.

Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios:

‘Project Natal’ is enabling our team of developers to create experiences we couldn’t have accomplished before. Microsoft Game Studios will help lead the way in bringing ‘Project Natal’ to life.


Continue reading: More Tokyo Game Show stories





17 comments | showing # 1 to 17
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matrixdude171's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/23/2009 21:34
matrixdude171
Nothing more than hype.
Jon B's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/23/2009 21:35
Jon B
Of course loads of companies are on board. It allows them to make shovelware and market it as a fantastic use of a overdone technology.

I still want to play that virtual dress-up, of course.
h5e5l5l5o5's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/23/2009 21:39
h5e5l5l5o5
Great! MORE SHOVEL WARE! :D Crap games FTW! Good job Microsoft!
Dan CiTi's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/23/2009 21:41
Dan CiTi
SPORTS!
bleep's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/23/2009 21:41
bleep
Could be interested to see what comes out of the companies, however since they've nothing to show right now all they can speak to is their own limitless potential with this new technology.
Nitex's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/23/2009 21:46
Nitex
I totally saw this coming. MS is not only completely ripping off the Wii's crap shovelware, they are making a joke of themselves. This is truly pathetic. Congrats MS you sunk to a new low. Natal is going to fail faster than a fat man having a heart attack after his 100th Krispy Kream donut.
Nitex's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/23/2009 21:47
Nitex
I totally saw this coming. MS is not only completely ripping off the Wii's crap shovelware, they are making a joke of themselves. This is truly pathetic. Congrats MS you sunk to a new low. Natal is going to fail faster than a fat man having a heart attack after his 100th Krispy Kream donut.
akathatoneguy's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/23/2009 22:08
akathatoneguy
You guys are acting like tools. Why don't we see what some of these developers can do with Natal before we immediately shit on it or call it shovelware? It's not like the companies listed are the big contributors to the huge pile of crap games for the Wii, so why assume that their offerings for Natal will be shit?

You guys are just scared that it's going to replace your beloved controller, and don't worry, it won't, you babies.
Xzyliac's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/23/2009 22:18
Xzyliac
So Rock Band is definitely getting some Natal functionality? Hmm.
Xhumation's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/23/2009 22:41
Xhumation
So basically every mayor company is working with Natal.

I'm really curious to see what these great companies can do with the technology, could be interesting
Chronic Logic's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/23/2009 23:08
Chronic Logic
Crap on Natal but glorify the Wii? Hypocrites.
dunderdolt's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/24/2009 01:42
dunderdolt
It would take quite a bit to convince me to buy into natal. The 360 doesn't need this.
TheStripe's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/24/2009 02:13
TheStripe
"Activision is encouraged by the innovation that Project Natal will bring to the industry and how it can transform consumers’ video games experience," though we don't really care unless it can do something in the "fake-plastic-instruments" sector or the "rehashed online FPS packed full of extraneous crap so you don't feel ripped off" sector.
MCChampaignMillionaire's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/24/2009 08:25
MCChampaignMillionaire
Fuck no...I still want to hold a controller in my hand...
Holyetheline's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/24/2009 11:32
Holyetheline
I'm still not too big on Natal, I just want to see more than just tech demo's and hear more than just talk.
TheJesusNinja26's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/24/2009 14:25
TheJesusNinja26
@ChronicLogic - I'm with you. I actually hate the Wii because it was a poorly executed idea. Natal IMO will do it right, and actually be responsive to you. With the Wii there was a huge disconnect, and it just seemed like random chance was the culprit in many Wii games feeling accurate.

I'm not saying that NATAL is the greatest thing to hit gaming, but I am saying that Microsoft will do it right. Better than the other two for sure.
Jon B's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/24/2009 16:42
Jon B
@TheJesusNinja26
The problem with Natal is the fact there's no buttons. That severely restricts the possibilities of natal as a controller. I know that the market this is aimed at is for people who aren't particularly proficient at games, but without buttons there's not much even they can do.
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