Sometime in 2010 Microsoft will introduce their ‘Project Natal’ interface for the Xbox 360.  It’s not a controller but a revolutionary way of playing thru a motion detecting camera that can read your gestures.  Honestly, I think it’ll flop.  It’s my belief that it is too far into the Xbox 360’s lifespan – they should of just saved it for the next version.  Oh well, we’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out.

Wired Magazine spoke with a few people from the gaming industry to see what their reaction and game concepts would be with Natal.  Will Wright was amongst them, stating the following:

Reaction “The best interfaces are the ones that you forget you’re using it, like when you’re driving car, you’re not thinking about driving a car. So I think for certain things, if you try to replace a joystick it won’t work very well. It’s hard to play Grand Theft Auto with something like this. On the other hand, it opens up new areas — your reaction instinctively flows into the game.”

Game Concept I like the idea that your console or computer would exhibit sensory awareness like a person or an animal — just knowing that you walked into a room or knowing two people or three people. It could greet you and respond accordingly and suggest activities. It might be better suited to parsing body motion and not so much about what you are doing with your fingers. It could parse the dance you’re doing. It’s better for fun, playful experiences, but not replacing the controls we have.”

link here