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.
