Don't look for an Xbox 720 anytime soon.
We're five years into the Xbox 360 lifecycle. That's typically when consoles start their sunset and new hardware rises. But in the case of the Xbox 360, don't expect a new console anytime soon. According to Aaron Greenberg, Director of Product Management for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live, Natal substitutes the need for an Xbox 360 sequel. When asked directly if Natal is replacing a new console, Greenberg smiled and offered, "We don't think we're halfway through this generation." Pressed further about if Natal means Microsoft will not release a new console anytime soon, Greenberg said, "I would say so, absolutely. It will extend the life of this console."
While enthusiasm for Natal grows, there is legitimate concern about how Microsoft will push adoption of the hardware. Microsoft will not commit to any strategy right now, refusing to comment on whether or not all Xbox 360's sold after Natal's 2010 holiday release will include the new controller. However, Greenberg did stress that every single Xbox 360 sold since November of 2005 will work with Natal. No machine will be left out.
While Natal is not a facsimilie of the Wii Remote, there is no doubt that the risks of motion control are significant. After all, the so-called waggle games for the Wii – games that use the Wii Remote in unnatural or uninteresting ways – have blunted passion for Nintendo's little white box among hardcore gamers. Using motion controls poorly or just because they are available instead of fusing them to an interesting idea (Metroid Prime Trilogy is a spectacular demonstration of how to properly use the Wii Remote) has made the Wii Remote appear gimmicky to many gamers. Greenberg says that Microsoft is determined to "avoid those traps."
Asked if Microsoft will actively say "no" to developers that use Natal in any way that seems gimmick-oriented, Greenberg nods and says, "We will very carefully manage the portfolio. We want to focus on original concepts. Not every idea is going to make sense. Halo Reach should be a great game with a controller. It should never be played with your body."
While enthusiasm for Natal grows, there is legitimate concern about how Microsoft will push adoption of the hardware. Microsoft will not commit to any strategy right now, refusing to comment on whether or not all Xbox 360's sold after Natal's 2010 holiday release will include the new controller. However, Greenberg did stress that every single Xbox 360 sold since November of 2005 will work with Natal. No machine will be left out.
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While Natal is not a facsimilie of the Wii Remote, there is no doubt that the risks of motion control are significant. After all, the so-called waggle games for the Wii – games that use the Wii Remote in unnatural or uninteresting ways – have blunted passion for Nintendo's little white box among hardcore gamers. Using motion controls poorly or just because they are available instead of fusing them to an interesting idea (Metroid Prime Trilogy is a spectacular demonstration of how to properly use the Wii Remote) has made the Wii Remote appear gimmicky to many gamers. Greenberg says that Microsoft is determined to "avoid those traps."
Asked if Microsoft will actively say "no" to developers that use Natal in any way that seems gimmick-oriented, Greenberg nods and says, "We will very carefully manage the portfolio. We want to focus on original concepts. Not every idea is going to make sense. Halo Reach should be a great game with a controller. It should never be played with your body."
MovieMiguel.com
