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Microsoft’s Team that Created Kinect Now Working on “Brand New Experiences”

The people that created the all-seeing-eye Kinect and some of its titles at Microsoft Game Studios may be at it again, now working on a brand new and mysterious experience.

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dualshockers.com
XboxFun4541d ago (Edited 4541d ago )

Interesting, could it have something to do with Illumiroom??

Maaaaybe....

@Christocolous

Exactly, I never understood the thought process of many here in "buy more studios" mentality, buying more does not equal profit. Grow and nurture what you have and put out quality not quantity.

Edit:
HAHAHA, you edited the same response I gave you.

@Malokevi
I don't know, if they have closed the doors it's only closed to us the public. But who knows what might be going on in the R&D department of MS for the concept device.

I would like to see more Kinect-centric offerings also, maybe in the form of Myst type games or I had a thought...just like the exercise Kinect apps they have they should have sports training like batting cages, pitching, correct way to tackle, shoot a basketball. Something along those lines.

christocolus4541d ago (Edited 4541d ago )

I swear ms is going all out this time. Investing big time into their 1st party devs.So many job listings within their studios in the last few months.

I think its better to grow and expand the size of their already existing studios than aquire new ones.theyve got over 11 now and in the last year most of them have more than doubled in size and yet they keep expanding. This will mean multiple projects can be run side by side by various teams within each studio. 343,blacktusk, lionheadd and rare are doing this already. 343 is rumored to be working on atleast 4 projects alone. Rare and lionhead 3 but dont know much about the others but the smaller ones like press play and lift have multiple projects in the works too.

Good going. Thank you phil spencer and phil harrison and Chris charla too. With Don Mattrick gone you guys have taken charge. Great job guys.

Golden_Mud4541d ago

They actually have 24 studios

christocolus4541d ago

@ihassounah

Thanks for clearing that up and in reply to the question you asked earlier i would definitly like an open world free roaming halo. 343 just needs to do be very careful and do it right if not they could just easily destroy the franchise.

Amazingmrbrock4541d ago

See the thing about increasing the size of a studio and having them work on multiple projects is that in the end its different teams with the same name. They just don't start a new studio so that they can keep the brand recognition of an already successful one. Having the same name gives you the impression that the same people that made whatever great game will be working on it. This is usually not the case though, which means that your not getting any guarantee in quality. Its like what happened with gearbox and aliens colonial marines. They had lots of good will because gearbox made borderlands, but the gearbox that made borderlands and the gearbox that made aliens are two separate teams. Its just confusing. Each team thats working on a game should have a separate name. In the end all sharing the name does is pollute it when a team puts out a shitty game.

christocolus4541d ago

@amazing

I get your point, but i feel its the path ms is taking already. Sega and Nintendos game studios function in a very similar way just like naughty dog has the uncharted team and the tlou team(not official names though)but over time the teams will be identified based on their games.

KingDadXVI4541d ago

I agree. I can't see how anyone can question MS commitment to gaming. They seem to be hiring non stop.

They already seem to have a great line-up of games coming for 2014 and this further commitment of resources on the hardware side really shows their interest in the consumer market.

It would be great if they could take Illumiroom and develop it to the point where it is relatively cheap and easy to setup. Maybe something like google glass to overlay information while playing a game. I even heard that they have been working on sound projection to individual players in a room.

Keep up the good work MS.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4541d ago
malokevi4541d ago (Edited 4541d ago )

Doubtful. They seem to have closed the door on Illumiroom* for now. But interesting, none the less. I would love to see more Kinect-centric stuff, as long as it doesn't turn out like Fighter Within.

Kinect Sports Rivals preseason gives me hope for Kinect games. Everyone who has seen it running on my Xbox comes away impressed. Besides my one buddy whose a PS4-only gamer... he thinks it's stupid, lol.

I think it will be a ton of fun once you can play people online. I come first every time... lame.

H0RSE4541d ago

I'm really anxious to see how well the the shipped version will work with importing yourself into the game.

UnHoly_One4541d ago

I hope they make Illumiroom a real thing, that looks like it could be awesome.

mo2414541d ago

It was an nice idea,but most people don't got projectors, maybe if kinect was wireless so you could place it towards the screen lol.

but it is always nice to see when developers are trying new and innovative ideas. if they don't atleast force it on us. lol

AceofStaves4541d ago

It looked great. Even if it ended up as a high-end niche product given that the general consumer doesn't have a projection TV, I'm sure it would have found a market.

UnHoly_One4541d ago

The way I understood it, it was always a separate device, and had nothing to do with the TV itself.

You could use one in conjunction with a crappy CRT TV from 10 years ago if you wanted to.

Bigpappy4541d ago (Edited 4541d ago )

M$ finished working on Kinect 2 just before they reveal. They are now developing ways to use it. This is why you haven't see a bunch of Kinect only game yet. We will see more stuff develop and added over time.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4541d ago
kickerz4541d ago

I kinda think it might be a Microsoft virtual headset that works with kinect. That would be amazing :)

kingdip904541d ago

Here is to hoping! A VR headset would make kinect worthwhile to me and then next gen may actually feel "next gen" enough for me to buy into

malokevi4541d ago

Check it out:

http://attackofthefanboy.co...

Definitely going to see some cool VR stuff as this generation moves forward. I'm already locked in :D

AngelicIceDiamond4541d ago

Sounds interesting but please don't be Kinect game using the Unreal Engine.

Release games with at least Kinect integration. (except for a handful of Kinect games) Those seem to do allot better then most Kinect only software.

GraveLord4541d ago

Primesense created the tech in Kinect, not Microsoft.
Let's give credit where credit is due.

With that being said: is this supposed to get us excited? Kinect sucks.

Gr1mmyshadows4541d ago

"With that being said: is this supposed to get us excited? Kinect sucks"

which is completely your opinion. I personally love the kinect, it's unfortunate you cant see the good in it

JokesOnYou4541d ago

I thought they were brought by Microsoft or am I wrong? Anyway speaking for the "team that created kinect", yes they are employed by Microsoft therefore it is indeed microsoft who as a company who is responsible for the R&D behind kinect.

I really like how micro are pushing for new experiences, its almost like they are trying to do what Nintendo did for so many generations with new innovative interactive ways to game on a home console. I think Nintendo biggest problem was not branching outside of their core Mario/Zelda/Metroid IP's and alienating 3rd parties.

Bigpappy4541d ago (Edited 4541d ago )

Primsense created the chipset for the first Kinect. M$ bought the first company to develop a 3D cameras (3DV). M$ created the software used in Kinect and added a custom chip to the first Kinect.

M$ designed all the chips and tech in Kinect 2 from scratch. None of the tech in it is from Primsense.

With that being said "GraveLord" you have no clue what you are talking about. So please stop trolling and find a relevant topic where you can contribute to the conversation.

Oh sorry. You did realize you had no more to say. That is a good thing. Already said too much.

arugula4541d ago (Edited 4541d ago )

So who in fact created Kinect? Was it Primesense or was it MSFT? Which came first? The software or the hardware? I'd say it was a collaboration of both companies.

After seeing and getting a feel for the hardware from Primesense MSFT then bought a company that makes similar tech to make things on the cheap. I mean, if MSFT fully created Kinect why bother even bringing in another company with the amount of $$$ they have? Just doesnt make sense. Oh wait, It's Primesense! So basically Primsesnse's tech was stolen by MSFT, but thats just my opinion.

This may be due to the new Kinect version supposedly coming out later in 2014.

Bigpappy4541d ago (Edited 4541d ago )

Yes it is a collaboration of sorts. Primsense chips had the audio embedded which was suited for what M$ wanted. The 3DZ cam was around first though. Keep in mind that M$ bought 3DV then made Kinect. So 3DV along with in house M$ software team made Kinect using mostly Primsense hardware.

This new Kinect is all M$ though. I am sure the team from 3DV are still leading the development, but they bought is a lot of outside help to improve noise canceling and inferred accuracy and reliability. They designed and developed everything on Kinect 2 in-house.

The new version you refer to is the same tech, just for PC different divers and tools.

arugula4541d ago

Yes, MSFT bought 3DV back in 2009 but Kinect only released in 2010. That gives little time for R&D for MSFT, 3DV, and Primesense to be all working together. So Kinect was probably way ahead of the game before that acquisition with 3DV took place.

I am only speculating here but it wouldnt make sense to have 3 companies (plus others not known) in 1 basket in such a short time period. Unless MSFT figured out how to fully utilize this tech within that time period and make it so they could be on their own without any outside help.

Once MSFT figured out what they were doing they could then cut ties with Primesense, buy 3DV, and then manufacturer under their own belt with a better, more affordable product (Kinect 2.0).

Bigpappy4541d ago

Okay. Your theory makes sense, but I would change just one part. Since it was 3DV who was out there trying to lease or sell the tech to Nintendo, Sony and M$, it is more than likely that M$ took interest and actually had the 3DV-Z camera in their possession for quite some time before they decided to by out 3DV. They were probably working on the software algorithms for quite a while then decide to buy the primsense chips when they realized they needed better audio in the cam.

arugula4541d ago

This tech was probably realized for decades by the military. Its just slowly being made available to the public. Pretty much like a lot of tech out there.

I mean, if it wasn't for governments trying to pass messages and snoop on each other in secret the internet may have never existed. So why do we get blamed for piracy and stealing when other governments are doing worse? I think im going off topic now but it was worth it.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4541d ago
Chrono4541d ago

Probably some new surveillance ideas.

Trekster_Gamer4541d ago

If only kinect could detect and vaporize trolls like you, that would help.

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260°

Microsoft Appoints Former Forza Boss As New Xbox Game Studios Head

Pure Xbox writes: "Microsoft has appointed Alan Hartman as the new Head of Xbox Game Studios. If you're not familiar with Hartman, he's been part of Forza Motorsport team at Turn 10 Studios since 2005.

Over the past couple of years he's led as Corporate Vice President of Forza and Fable, and before this was the Forza Studio Head at Turn 10."

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purexbox.com
Berenger927d ago

Seems like a solid choice considering Forza and FH have been the only high quality studio, consistently for Microsoft.

Berenger927d ago

*Forza and FH are the most consistent high quality and this guy ran Turn 10. Playground did FH but still high quality. Let's see if he can get some quality production out of the rest

Obscure_Observer927d ago

He´s been doing an excellent job ahead of both Forza franchises integrating those studios to work together by sharing knowledge, technology and manpower.

The new ForzaTech is amazing and I can´t wait to see what it can do for the new Fable.

Phil Spencer has been promoting a huge shake up at Xbox with new leadership hopefully full of fresh ideas!

I hope Alan Hartman as head of XGS to keep the focus on single player games and RPGs. Fable looks absolutely stunning, so we can expect Forza Horizon´s level of excellence for Playground´s first RPG.

I can´t wait!

Futureshark927d ago

What a nice reward for the latest Forza, which is probably the most mediocre of the lot so far.

amazinglover927d ago

That game was using a new engine and had to be rebuilt from the ground up.

Redgrave927d ago

So that gives it a pass to be a lesser entry than those before it?

amazinglover909d ago

@redgrave not an excuse an explanation for why this game has less features. Not my problem you don't understand how game development works or development in general. When you move to a knew platform some things need to be rebuilt from the ground up.

I am currently migrating one of our services we provide to our customers to the cloud version and having to rebuild a lot of the add-ons we had built for them over the years.

But go ahead and keep criticizing devs when no one here has any clue what it actually takes.

Disccordia927d ago

Still think Rod Fergusson would have been a good shout. He's got a track record of fixing stuff and I assume he's still at Blizzard.

Not heard of this guy but I feel like anyone is better than Matt Booty

I thought Dan Greenawalt was head of Turn10 though (although I noticed he didn't do the on stage stuff at e3 this year). Is he not there anymore?

Barlos927d ago (Edited 927d ago )

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This is the best news I've heard since the last piece of xbox news!

Go team xbox! Xbox will rule the world!

Lightning77927d ago

He's over overlooked The Forza games which have been consistently good through our the years. Hopefully he has the same eye for quality for the rest if the studios going forward.

babadivad927d ago (Edited 927d ago )

How can anyone deny that Forza has been a quality franchise for almost two decades?

Lightning77927d ago

They just downvote just to downvote they have no reason.

Jin_Sakai927d ago

“How can anyone deny that Forza has been a quality franchise for almost two decades?“

Forza Motorsport declined after FM4. And this release was one of the worst in the series.

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190°

Ori and the Will of the Wisps crosses 2 million players

Ori and the Will of the Wisps has crossed 2 million players since its release. This news comes via an infographic shared by Moon Studios.

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windowscentral.com
GaboonViper2160d ago

Should be so many more, such a wonderful game.

CaptainHenry9162160d ago

They should release it on the Switch like the first game

Marquinho2159d ago (Edited 2159d ago )

Good news is that it will be optimized for XSX @120fps. I will get it a second shot then.

The game is an absolute wonder from the visuals to the music score and gameplay. It really is a console show off.

poleerollee2160d ago

this game its better than TLOU.

RgR2159d ago

Give hollow knight a try. Ori used to be my favourite metroidvanis side scroller but hollow knight has taken it's place by an enormous margin. For me.

King_Noctis2159d ago

Both games are from different genres, so they aren't comparable and shouldn't be compared quite frankly.

N4realGMRZ2159d ago

It's genuinely one of this generations most underrated games and in my book a masterpiece

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2159d ago
Automatic792160d ago

Congratulations this game is fantastic.

Gaming4Life19812160d ago

Agreed the game is great and i didnt think they would be able to outdo part 1, i was wrong. Cant wait for part 3.

Sciurus_vulgaris2160d ago

I think Ori’s story is over. Another game in series would likely be a spin-off.

sushimama2160d ago

That's kind of bad. When it's a multiplat and it's free on gamepass also. PLUS it's a sequel, it's not a new IP. The IP has already been established. Not to mention it's a quality game. Just kind of sad really.

RamRod882160d ago (Edited 2160d ago )

Your concern trolling is kinda sad.

Kiwi662160d ago (Edited 2160d ago )

"PLUS it's a sequel, it's not a new IP" you just described any game that has more than one game in the series, well done

RazzerRedux2160d ago

Well.....it is a metroidvania type of game. That isn't exactly the most popular genre these days so 2 million looks pretty good to me.

CBaoth2159d ago (Edited 2159d ago )

since you're referring to the genre, is 2 million players better than Bloodstained's 1 million sales?

EDIT: I mean what do you consider a better metric of success? I hope this mini resurgence of the genre leads to greater things but we'll see. I don't take stock in MAUs as a quantifiable measurement of success

RazzerRedux2159d ago (Edited 2159d ago )

@CBaoth

The real question is which generated more revenue, right? I don't see how we can answer that without having a better understanding of Game Pass internal economics along with actual Ori sales data.

Imortus_san2159d ago

Go and Cry to Sony to see if they make one.

ZeroX98762159d ago (Edited 2159d ago )

one of the great MS exclusive that I bought on PC to play it and it is a fantastic game! Sony fans would've love it for sure.

King_Noctis2159d ago

2 millions for a small non "AAA" game. You tell me how many small game on Gamepass can achieve this feat.

SamPao2159d ago

man...not every game has to sell millions upon millions. Seems like they are doing very will with this one.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 2159d ago
timotim2160d ago

Continued success Moon Studios, Ori is a fantastic IP and the game is one of the years best. Waiting for your next project reveal.

Youngindy212160d ago

Not bad. I haven't gotten around to playing it yet, but I really enjoyed the first game.

Fist4achin2159d ago

The sequel was great too. I preferred the first, but 2 is not far behind IMO. Enjoy!

Show all comments (31)
180°

The PS5 and Xbox Two battle plan to repel Google Stadia advance revealed

Sony PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Xbox Two set to adopt elite battle tactic in these troubled times for traditional gaming consoles

Hardiman2516d ago

"Troubled times for traditional gaming consoles " lol a little dramatic wouldn't you say?!?! No I imagine if Sony continues what they are doing along with everything else that they are bringing to the table, they'll be just fine. Latency is a thing and it's the biggest hurdle for streaming.

You can't just magically say something and it happens. The Stadia is in for an uphill battle because of latency and the fact that quality games take talented people to make and it takes years to do this.

Film and tv are completely different animals compared to games especially games with the graphical fidelity that games have now.

Again it's not hard for me to see the PS5 being extremely successful because at this point Sony has so many talented devsdevs and those aforementioned studios and with it being BC and having a connected cross gen system they will be going into next gen strong.

ApocalypseShadow2516d ago (Edited 2516d ago )

It's just the usual doom and gloom articles Sony receives before every new launch.

Yes. The competition is higher. But Sony seems to handle their console business well with a proven track record.

I think Sony would be more worried about tariffs and world markets before Google Stadia and their legion of YouTube influencers.

And the fact that they sent their trillion dollar market cap competitor home with their tail between their legs that they can't even announce numbers unless it's useless metrics to look good instead of numbers that matter.

What's another near trillion dollar company to Sony? They eat them for breakfast. Then sit back and take a sip of sake.

lazyboyblue2515d ago (Edited 2515d ago )

Agree but you know Sony aren't a tiny underdog indie outfit dont you? They're a massive conglomerate.

Potnoodle9992515d ago

Hehe bit overboard but pretty much well said ☺️

traumadisaster2514d ago

Stadia is shit for me but imagine the wanna be gamer who can’t buy the next gen console and games for over $500 with games, I guess for cheap they can play day one.

AK912515d ago

Yup this definitely means Stadia wont be that successful.

bisunusimu2515d ago

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nucky642515d ago

so true. sony will have my money for ps5 as soon as i can preorder - i don't care about any of the other ways to game.

PhantomS422515d ago

All they need to do is cook up some popcorn. Stadia is going to crash and burn all by itself, I don't think I've seen anyone talk about it as a serious contender. Like the Ouya it's just a laughing stock.

AK912515d ago

They just need to make games that wont lag due to latency.

Ju2515d ago (Edited 2515d ago )

Which is a physical problem for the medium. There just isn't much you can do to cut down latency over long lines. Not even fiber. We are talking latency in the range of 33ms or below. All the services are above 100ms. I mean, I have the most advanced game streaming today - PS Now (yeah, it is, they are years ahead and a service you can actually buy today) but it has at least one frame delayed. And 60fps is not problem for PS Now at all..that is hardwired gigabit Ethernet on a fiber line into my living room. Google tries to sell stadia with a WiFi controller. This is hilarious. This automatically adds WiFi lag to every game, no matter how you wire it.

Tross2515d ago

They have had that for a very long time. It's called physical games and regular digital downloads.

lazyboyblue2515d ago (Edited 2515d ago )

I cant wait to stream games to my mobile device....... for free from my Xbox.
I know Google expect backlash from hardcore gamers but they're dreaming if they think casuals will buy full price games, pay extra for 4k and experience latency.
The whole thing is better pitched as a complimentary service to an existing platform like PS or Xbox.

Imo of course.

Tross2515d ago

What troubled times? Don't listen to the BS Google is spewing. They haven't even established themselves in the gaming market yet. I don't see their PoS with no exclusives selling very well.

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