EA Says Sony's Motion Tech Is More Accessible Than Microsoft's

If you weren't on hand to witness both new motion sensing techs from Microsoft and Sony at E3, you definitely missed out. Both were surprisingly impressive in their own ways, and EA has already said they're in full support of both.

In fact, EA chief John Riccitiello commented that he has been aware of both techs for "about 15 months," and that they have a "secret little laboratory" where they get to "screw around" with this innovative motion technology. He has some very interesting comments on both but here's what he had to say concerning Sony's offering:

"Probably something a little closer to the consumer experience as of today is the [motion] controller that Sony put out – that seems oddly somewhere between what Nintendo has out and what Microsoft announced. It's probably less jaw-dropping just to look at it. On the other hand, it's an engineering prototype so it'll probably be jaw-dropping by the time they bring it to market. But probably more importantly is that it looks like a great bridge technology, meaning you'll be able do a lot of things that you could never do before with game platforms. And it doesn't require quite the leap of faith that Natal does. So I think they've carved out very different market positions; my honest view is they are both [MS & Sony] going to expand the market in different ways and they're both going to be successful."

We will concur with that assessment and at the same time, ask one question of Nintendo: "watcha gonna do now?" No offense or anything, but what Microsoft and Sony showed off this week is leaps and bounds ahead of anything we've seen on the Wii. In fact, and forgive the insinuation, but something like the Wiimote is mere child's play in the face of such advanced technology. Well, the Wii has already made its mark, we suppose, and maybe it's time to let the big boys try to push the envelope.

6/4/2009 Ben Dutka

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Comments (51 posts)

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LimitedVertigo
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 11:17:59 AM
Reply

I agree that both technologies that were shown were way ahead of what is found on the wii. However the wii is several years old and we've yet to see Sony or Microsoft implement their new toys. Could be several years before that happens and by then I wouldn't doubt Nintendo arrives with something similar and practical. I'm fine with a controller, wii type games can stay far away from me.

0 up, 1 down

Kevadu
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 11:43:04 AM

Well, Sony is claiming a Spring 2010 release.

We'll see...

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somethingrandom
Friday, June 05, 2009 @ 10:57:31 PM

Two now means several now? I would consider several years to be upwards of five.

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isaya85
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 11:20:24 AM
Reply

unfortunately I missed out on the tech showings I guess i'll have to wait until they release them

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Kai200X
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 12:46:50 PM

There are tons of videos on YouTube you can check out the demo showing, but beware of fanboys of m$ and ninTENdo.

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Scarecrow
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 11:25:44 AM
Reply

I hope Nintendo's planning a next-gen console now.

Anyway we'll see. I still prefer some deep and beautiful rpgs.

But hey if they make good games with this it wouldn't hurt.

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phantomMenace
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 11:26:52 AM
Reply

Personally I don't really care for what microsoft put on the table. Voice and Facial recognition have been in existence for a long time they are just implementing it on the system. Natal seems interesting and milo is impressive but if that is how ms plans on using this hardware I will not get it. However, when I saw Sony and they began to use the controler as a bow and arrow, thats when I started jumping for joy. With how accurate it was and when they said imagine playing your favorite rpg and using this I was really excited cause thats what I want to hear/see. I dont think that ms will be able to do that sort of thing hands free so that is why whenever Sony releases this I will be all over it. Hopefully they implement it in good rpgs not in childish (imo) games like the wii.

2 up, 0 down

eLLeJuss
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 11:37:20 AM
Reply

i dunno though. im satisfied with using controllers. Maybe they should do 3d games. Now we talkin' :D

1 up, 0 down

Dingodial
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 1:14:17 PM

Actually they did announce some 3D stuff during the Consumer Electronics Show 2009.

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crump602
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 11:55:31 AM
Reply

I think dev. could do way more creative things with the Sony's motion controls. Oblivion would be a perfect for that tech, maybe the new Star Wars The old republic. But M$'s tech seems more or less like the Eyetoy 2.5!

A little off topic, why is M$ so persistent always TRYING to out do Sony in everything it does? As I see it they are a generation behind and their approach to the business reminds me of Sony with the PS2. But thats just me.

2 up, 1 down

Akuma07
Sunday, June 07, 2009 @ 3:53:52 AM

I thought 'Old Republic' was a PC only game?

and yeah, thats exactly what i thought about Natal.

its not new or innovative, some aspects of it are, but its just the new and improved EyeToy.

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Nynja
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 12:01:55 PM
Reply

I stand by my original assessment to motion controls; "No thanks".

Regardless of who develops the technology, I just find it difficult for myself to get into games where the primary user input method is motion controls. Very few games have actually made motion an acceptable form of command input that can be done from the comfort of ones couch (or game chair). I don't expect motion to replace buttons, but to compliment current controls is a high probability.

Btw; Microsoft claimed in their press conference that they were the first to introduce motion controls without the use of a controller. Seems they forgot about the EyeToy. I found it pretty funny how Sony reminded people of this during their conference.

4 up, 0 down

Highlander
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 12:37:26 PM

Aquatopia,
Trials of Topoq,
Operation Creature Feature

I believe it's safe to refer to these games as examples of motion tracking with an PSEye on PS3.

Aw heck, here's a summary from IGN after the 2007 TGS.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/821/821334p1.html

Last edited by Highlander on 6/4/2009 12:41:44 PM

1 up, 0 down

Nynja
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 12:44:46 PM

Excellent examples of games that fully utilize motion controls - yet they aren't very compelling or deep games (if a game at all; Aquatopia).

Now there is a deep game I forgot about that does not require a game controller "Eye of Judgment" (if you do not count the cards or board), though this is actually an example of bar-code recognition than motion enabled games.

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 1:07:12 PM

Yeah, those 'games' are more tech demo than anything else, but I find it interesting because I am not sure how the things that they demonstrate are anything less than what Microsoft put on stage this year.

Have a look at this analysis of the motion control technologies, it's a good read.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/166109/e3_whats_wrong_with_microsofts_xbox_360_motioncontrol_approach.html/

Last edited by Highlander on 6/4/2009 1:07:50 PM

2 up, 0 down

Mr Bitey
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 3:47:53 PM

Milo - see Eye Pet

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sticklife
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 12:09:10 PM
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XBOX cam will need lighting, every camera needs lighting. i just wonder how much it will need. also it may require window shades(just so people don't see how foolish you look playing. more so than jerking you wrist around) the ps3 controller may have a big cost. did you see that he had two controllers and one PS eye?

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HOODGE
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 7:23:18 PM

ya but Natal won't come at a cheap price either. I bet 150 buckaroos.

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Oxvial
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 12:23:23 PM
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M$ and Sony motion devices are pretty meeh .

M$ idea only would be cool if you can interact with all the characters of a rpg kinda Oblivion but no way in hell the 360 has the power to do that Milo is just a more pretty version of ''Hey You, Pikachu!'' N64 Game.

Sony device is more focused for gaming but even if its better than the wiimote its feels like a ripoff .

It would be better if they just make the price cut and the return of the BC via emulation or hardware via PS3 slim than losing time on those boring ideas.

0 up, 3 down

telly
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 12:30:59 PM
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Spot on about Wii, Ben. We'll have to see which technology, Sony's or Microsoft's, works better. But clearly Nintendo is just getting left in the dust.

0 up, 2 down

Jawknee
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 1:09:44 PM

actually im still more impressed with Nintendo. Seems many of you dislike Nintendo as much as you dislike MS. I love Nintendo and Sony.

2 up, 1 down

HeXeN
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 2:20:15 PM

I actually dislike Nitendo more,they are not the Nintendo of the old days. There was so much smog coming from their E3 conference that I literary thought that people would storm out to get some fresh air; Apparently they want the wii to become an affordable health center.I do appreciate thought the spark they gave Sony to bring out their own motion controls.

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photo K
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 3:12:43 PM

I dunno about Nintendo getting left in the dust... I mean, their wii remote and nunchuks can be used for a lot of things still. Plus they were so far ahead of X360/Sony. And it also sounds like they will be for at least a year longer. It sounds more like Sony and MS are just catching up.

1 up, 1 down

HOODGE
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 7:26:14 PM

Guys don't forget about that new motion plus plug in pack addition that inserts to the bottom of the wii mote. That will give it more responsive motion detection much like Sony's controller. Its pretty impressive.

0 up, 1 down

Highlander
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 12:32:22 PM
Reply

Interesting and revealing comments from EA. Perhaps Sony has been working on their device a little longer, hence it's closer to realization.

Either way, this kind of thing lends light to the analysis of the E3 presentations by the big 3 this year. Heaven knows that the mainstream tech media made their minds up with regard to E3 analysis, before Jack Tretton even took the stage.

2 up, 0 down

Nynja
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 12:47:23 PM

Actually one nice read I found that may have decided after Sony's press conference;

http://www.pcworld.com/article/166109/e3_whats_wrong_with_microsofts_xbox_360_motioncontrol_approach.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a41:g2:r6:c0.059644:b24881348

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 4:00:22 PM

LOL! Great minds are obviously thinking alike, we both got the same article.

1 up, 0 down

Nynja
Friday, June 05, 2009 @ 9:21:11 AM

lol yeah, just saw that today!

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Jawknee
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 12:53:18 PM
Reply

i acutally didnt find either that apealing. The Sony one seems more fun and looks like it might be easier to build games around it, but other then that, i didnt find either of these any more impressive then the Wii. I was more excited when the Wii was announced then these two.

0 up, 2 down

Kai200X
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 12:54:08 PM
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Let's get one thing straight. Sony's "prototype" already far better than Wii's little MotionPlus, and let's be honest, M$'s so called Project Natal looks kinda silly. Can you really imagine yourself jumping up and down and swing your arms and legs around in your living room like a mad man? or driving virtul car with your hands holding onto a wheel of air? Granted, I know I'll not bother with motion controllers unless they have great games behind it, not just some sport games.

1 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 1:09:12 PM
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Not my cup of tea, i just like to have a joypad and go through a game backed up with plot and character development and good gameplay. I dont just play games for the sake of it.

1 up, 0 down

migabyte
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 1:15:25 PM
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Natal looks like crap to me, not being biased (or at least trying). Here are my problems with it. Use anything that you want. This is ridiculous and campy. Grab sticks and have a sword fight....OK, now why would I do this in front of a TV when I can go outside and do this, but I don't. Fight in front of the TV with lag....again, this is something that can be accomplished without new machines. Play dodge ball, this one is much better in real life. I don't play games to imitate life, I play them to do something that I can't really do. I also don't want to be exhausted. I play sports or go to the gym like 5 times a week, but games is my relaxing time. Once in a while, it's ok. When I have friends over, or I'm drinking, the rest of the time....no. The lag is important...it was obvious. The good thing I see from it, possibly the navigation, I liked in Minority report when they did that....but he still needs a remote in the movie...remotes aren't a bad thing.

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NoSmokingBandit
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 1:33:41 PM
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Natal looked like a good concept, but it was awfully glitchy, especially during the Mii erm.... Avatar display. Like the xbots chanted 2 years ago "its all about the software" and sony's motion sensing software as just perfect.

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NoSmokingBandit
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 1:33:45 PM
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Crap accidentally posted twice... :/

Last edited by NoSmokingBandit on 6/4/2009 1:34:01 PM

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JCARROLL
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 1:44:24 PM
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Natal looked really cool but its going to need perfect conditions like great lighting, a lot of space, no background noise so it can pick up your voice properly, the user will have to be really far from moving object and other people in the room. Microsoft gave us the impression that Natal was a very sleek looking bar under the tv but from what I heard at the behind closed doors presentation there was a lot of sensors around the tv and room. It would also no doubt be very expensive. If it is incorporated into games people wouldn't be able to play without the whole natal set up. This would mean that every new xbox would have to have natal bundled with it. This would lead to a very high pice probably as much as the ridiculously priced psp go and ps3 put together. This is just my opinion though and I'm not sold on it. If you can persuade me otherwise then fair play.

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PS3addict
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 1:48:59 PM
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If Sony comes out with a new Gauntlet using this tech, I am on it. Otherwise, depends on what games will work with it.

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Qwarktast1c
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 1:57:35 PM
Reply

i thought it was cool when the guy said he could be like ratchet swinging the wrench around

that'd be cool to try out, but i don't think it'd be as fun as actually using a controller

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sdodge
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 2:26:12 PM
Reply

I reall don't understand how ms's product is much different then sony's in the first place. The pseye see's you in your 3d environment, it has facial recognition and body motion recognition, I mean just look at the eye pet. It even knows your drawing on paper and it comes to life!
I feel that micro's product is not much different besides it has voice recognition. I think sony just wanted to add wands for that extra gameplay element that you really can't have without them, like for sword fighting and shooting games and stuff.
Anyways I just don't think microsofts product is at all revolutionary like some other sites are claiming. Sony has this tech now and has had it for a long time!

1 up, 0 down

Zaben
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 2:31:34 PM
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I don't trust Natal.
I just can't see myself prefer to do something with it rather than use a controller.
And every use they showed with it doesn't interest me in the slightest...
For Sony's motion control, however, I can see myself playing first person and third person on action games and shooters.

Last edited by Zaben on 6/4/2009 2:33:16 PM

1 up, 0 down

Bugzbunny109
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 2:56:43 PM
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Nitendo is at a great disadvantage now because the "true next gen consoles" now have it's leading technology--motion controls. Hardware wise the Wii doesn't stand a chance against the 360 or ps3. They have taken a large component from the Wii, and soon people will begin buying ps3s or 360s because of motion controls and better technology[ graphics, etc... Nitendo needs to come up with something FAST, or the Wii will become obsolete.

1 up, 0 down

bearbobby
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 2:59:40 PM
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Gotta say, I'm actually excited to see what Sony does with the motion controllers.

A lot of Wii fans are all over the net right now yapping about how the "hardcore" Sony and MS crowd brushed off the Wii controller as gimicky and now they have the same thing going. I disagree, while Nintendo has motion sensing controllers as well, the fact that Sony's controllers are finally giving us that "1:1" motion ratio, games will be a lot more immersive and responsive.

When they demoed the sword and shield my mind filled with all sorts of possibilites. Finally waving your arm has the character doing the exact same motion, rather than initiating a set animation as the Wii does with a certain waggle. As many have said before, lightsaber battles could finally be realized. lol.

And then the bow and arrow demo? Also awesome. If they could just give me a glimpse of how they intend to incorporate controls for character movement on a 3d plane, I'd be ready to sign up for the next action rpg. :)

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photo K
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 3:26:21 PM

I can't wait to see people start youtubing themselves playing with that sword and shield! LOL

I know a lot of people on here don't like the motion toys, but its really geared towards the casual gamer, and most of us on this site, I'm assuming, are not casual gamers.

IMO - I would not play either Sony's or MS new toys, I sold my wii because I just didn't enjoy playing games that involved me expending so much energy. Goodluck tho, I hope this works out for all parties. All these new advancements make for some good competition that only benefits the consumer.

Last edited by photo K on 6/4/2009 3:26:39 PM

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telly
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 4:18:31 PM

Photo K, great attitude.

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Deleted User
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 4:44:03 PM
Reply

I never got into the Wii because I never really felt like the Wiimote mimicked my actions, and plus I just couldn't get over the weak graphics. Some games looked okay, but most just looked ugly.

With 1:1, the feeling will be a lot different. I might even be interested in the Wii motion plus if they get some decent looking games out.

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Veritas Vincit
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 7:37:47 PM
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Change of subject, Ben I didn't know where to ask but did you by chance look at IL-2 Birds of Prey for PS3? I only found one article on the game with no videos of 1C or 505's booth.

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dveisalive
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 8:37:44 PM
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I will admit that the Sony motion was pretty cool but it is still a far way from catching up to Wiimotion Plus. If you seen the demo it wasn't sharp/smooth at all. Dude couldn't even hit the tennis ball anyways Milo sucks and PS3 needs a price cut before they can sell motion. To be honest I think this isn't going to work for you have 20-30 million people with sixaxis controllers, plus Going the route of the Wii is just barbaric! Sony follows Big N again. Anyways I due look forward to see how sells go for the Big 3 when Ps3 and 360 come out with their motion controlls

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BikerSaint
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 9:11:45 PM
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The PS2's Eye Toy already had motion tracking.

I can think of at least 3 games in my collection that already uses it.....

Eye Toy Play, and Eye Toy Groove-Both came out in 2003.

Eye Toy Antigrav-Came out in 2004.

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bearbobby
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 9:29:22 PM
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I can't wait for the next-gen of consoles to come out and Nintendo's box finally has HD output so everyone can say "Haha, Nintendo's just copying Sony and MS, they're just playing catch-up!" Cause that's just how ridiculous they sound now.

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BikerSaint
Thursday, June 04, 2009 @ 9:52:50 PM
Reply

I sure hope that I'm wrong on this, but all I could think of while watching the the woman interacting with that young animated boy in the "Milo" part of MS's "PRE-natal" demonstration was pedophiles will love this.
Now they can try to role-play out their sickest fantasies.

And god forbid that same sick-o actually goes out & commits a real attack afterwards, and our so-called mainstream media finds out he has "Milo".

They'll certainly twist the incident around just to sensationalize their story, and put the blame right on gaming & gamers instead of focusing on the perverted scumbag who committed his heinous acts.

Last edited by BikerSaint on 6/4/2009 9:54:41 PM

1 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Friday, June 05, 2009 @ 6:56:17 AM

Yeah hope that not going to happen.. and come on having a litle kiddo has your pet just sound creepy .

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somethingrandom
Saturday, June 06, 2009 @ 12:48:47 AM
Reply

With every advancement to controller technology we get closer to the era of pulling off any move imaginable in games (better cover use and evasive manoevers in FPS's for example)

1 up, 0 down

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