Microsoft: Kinect to see Live-like evolution "over the length of the entire Xbox platform"
Microsoft has told VG247 that Kinect will see a Live-like evolution "over the length of the entire Xbox platform," and could be applied across multiple "mediums".
"Different mediums"
Speaking in Germany last week, Kinect creative chief Kudo Tsunoda said Microsoft's commitment to motion gaming was here to stay when asked if we're likely to see Kinect functionality built into any future hardware.
"When you think about when Xbox Live first launched, it's a [very] different experience than it is today. Live as a platform has evolved over time, with new technology and new features and new experiences, and that is something that has given it longevity over multiple types of consoles," said the exec.
"I think that's the same thing you're going to see with Kinect, not just, 'Hey, we have great stuff at launch,' but you'll see it evolve as a platform over time, see it as something that will extend not only through Xbox but could be applied through a lot of different mediums."
Tsunoda explicitly said that motion gaming would be an Xbox feature for as long as the brand existed, calling both Kinect and Live "platform initiatives".
"Xbox is really good at not just launching it and having that be it, but really develop new features and new experiences over the length of the entire Xbox platform," he said.
"I think that, just as you see that with Xbox Live, that's something you're going to see with Kinect as well."
Shake it like it's for the camera
Microsoft's commitment to Kinect is currently compounded whenever top brass speaks about the system on the record, with Xbox Europe boss Chris Lewis saying last week that its introduction will grant 360 life until 2015.
“Kinect really gives us, I think, a very genuine additional five years,” he said, speaking to BusinessWeek at gamescom.
“What Kinect does is broaden us out to users that we weren’t addressing in the past.”
Tsunoda also took time last week to deny Kinect has problems viewing seated players, telling us the system works with sitting, standing and “everything in between”.
Kinect is now confirmed to be launching at £130 and $150.
It hits the US on November 4, to be followed in Europe on November 10.
You can listen to Kudo speaking in the audio clip below.