Gaming without control(lers)

Right, I'll put my cards on the table, I'm an Xbox 360 fanboy (which may well bias my position) but Microsoft's announcement at E3 on their new development, Project Natal, will, I believe, see them challenge Nintendo's Wii's dominance in the gaming sector and, like the Wii, entice traditionally non-gamers into the console category.

Okay, so the video is only a vision rather than the real system in action (and we have no timeline on when the technology will finally be released) but in keeping with Microsoft's aim that the Xbox 360 is more than just a gaming console, they're also incorporating it into the wider services Microsoft offer via their NXE (New Xbox Experience) interface.

Want to watch a movie or TV program on demand?  Easy, wave your arms around at the TV screen to scroll through the images of potential choices and select.  Expectations are high that on Friday Xbox will announce a tie up with Sky that will see European Xbox-ers able to access programming on their TV screen through their NXE.  US Xbox-ers have had access to the entire Netflix back catalogue on-demand for some time so this is an overdue and positive move.

Microsoft has long held the desire to become the operating system of choice for the Living Room having, in many people's view, already won the battle for the PC.  The combination of Project Natal, the potential tie up with Sky as well as the frankly awesome games that are available on the system means that Microsoft may well realise this desire. 

Thanks to Nintendo's Wii, gaming has moved from being the domain of children and geeks into the mainstream and Microsoft seem well positioned to help drive this wider acceptance further over the next 5 years.  As gaming platforms grow into broader entertainment platforms, the big question will be whether Microsoft will open the NXE to advertisers? And if so, how best can we leverage this content rich, entertainment based environment without alienating and annoying consumers?  I'm betting it won't be through banners and buttons but engaging, entertaining content that adds value to the consumers experience! 

Project Natal may still be a year or more away, but in the meantime Harmonix has finally confirmed that The Beatles- Rock Band is coming to the Xbox 360 in September.  I cannot wait to play Back in the USSR. Does anyone fancy being the Ringo Starr to my Paul McCartney?

Bryan aka ThePersuader

Comments

[wow gold cheap]

This is something to look forward to from Microsoft. I bet this would be a tough fight between Microsoft and Nintendo. Until the console is released, I think I'd still stick with my Death Knight.