Microsoft Demos "Project Natal" Gesture-based Control System at E3

We've been hearing rumors about Microsoft's plans to enter the Wiimote's territory with a nunchuck, controllerrang or Power Glove-like paddle for ages now. At Microsoft's pre-E3 event this morning, we now have concrete details on Microsoft's new Xbox 360 controller. Maybe controller is the wrong term because, simply put, you, the player, are the controller.

Microsoft called in Steven Spielberg to introduce the world to Project Natal. Spielberg emphasized Microsoft's move away from the traditional controller, stating "it's not about reinventing the wheel, it's about having no wheel at all."

The new technology uses a mountable camera that tracks player movements. The prototype tech measures swipes, movements and gestures of a player's arms, legs and body in lieu of the button mashing I grew up on. Take a look at Project Natal's current dashboard and user interface for Netflix, Xbox Live and other apps:



It's not hard to imagine waving your arms around like a police officer directing traffic becoming somewhat tiresome. But, I have to admit that "Project Natal" looks pretty functional at this early stage in its development. Check out more pics here.

Microsoft demoed Ricochet along with Project Natal this morning. In addition to being some serious cardio, the game is responsive and looks to really use the camera's ability to full effect. Vis-a-vis the Wiimote, Natal's ability to perceive depth, that is, forward and back movements, looks much better. Project Natal also struck me as very responsive in the demos we saw--maybe a dragonfly could spot some lag, but I thought the Natal-o-cam was instantaneously responsive.



Every soul on God's green earth has some familiarity with Microsoft Paint. Today we raptfully watched a demonstration of Project Natal's answer to the classic photo editor--Paint Party. With karate chops, uppercuts and some crazy flailing, we got a glimpse of the controller scheme's potential for all the creative types out there.



Pretty clever, the elephant bit there. Did you notice the integration of voice recognition and gesture? It sure feels futurific!

But, I'm set on remaining a skeptic until I see Project Natal in action on the Xbox 360. Frankly, I think America may have already had her fill of "active" video games. Let's face it, half the reason we play video games is to avoid a lot of movement. Am I right?

Microsoft didn't provide a release date for the project, but we imagine that Xbox owners will be roundhousing and punching in living rooms by this time next year.

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