PS3 Move Megathread

[jefXfree]

PlayStation Move is a motion-sensing game controller platform for the PlayStation 3 video game console by Sony Computer Entertainment. Based on a handheld motion controller wand, PlayStation Move uses the PlayStation Eye webcam to track the wand's position, and inertial sensors to detect its motion. First revealed on June 2, 2009, PlayStation Move is slated for worldwide launch in Q3/Q4 2010. PlayStation Move hardware available at launch includes the main PlayStation Move motion controller, and an optional PlayStation Move Navigation Controller.

Although PlayStation Move is implemented on the existing PlayStation 3 console, Sony states that it is treating PlayStation Move's debut as its own major "platform launch," planning an aggressive marketing campaign to support it. Sony plans to release several different bundle packages for PlayStation Move hardware; including an under-US$100 starter pack with a PlayStation Eye, a PlayStation Move motion controller, and a game; and a bundle with a PlayStation 3 console, PlayStation Eye, and PlayStation Move motion controller. Specific pricing has not been decided

As with other PlayStation Wireless Controllers (SIXAXIS, DualShock 3), both the main PlayStation Move motion controller and thePlayStation Move Navigation Controller will use Bluetooth 2.0 wireless radio communication, and an internal lithium-ion battery which is charged via a USB Mini-B port on the controller.

Motion controller: The PlayStation Move motion controller features an orb at the end which can glow in any of a full range of colors according to the RGB color model using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The colored light serves as an active marker, the position of which can be tracked along the image plane by the PlayStation Eye. The uniform spherical shape and known size of the light also allows the system to simply determine the controller's distance from the PlayStation Eye through the light's image size, thus enabling the controller's position to be tracked in three dimensions with high precision and accuracy. The sphere-based distance calculation allows the controller to operate with minimal processing lag, as opposed to other camera-based control techniques on the PlayStation 3. A pair of inertial sensors inside the controller, a three-axis linear accelerometer and a three-axis angular rate sensor, are used to track rotation as well as overall motion. An internal magnetometer is also used for calibrating the controller's orientation against the Earth's magnetic field to help correct against cumulative error (drift) in the inertial sensors. The internal sensors can be used for dead reckoning in cases which the camera tracking is insufficient, such as when the controller is obscured behind the player's back.

The controller face features a large ovoid primary button (Move), small action buttons triangle:, :circle:, :x:, :square, and a regular-sized PS button, arranged in a similar configuration as on the Blu-Ray Disc Remote Control. On the left and right side is a Select and Start button, respectively. On the underside is an analog trigger (T). At the tail of the controller is the wrist strap, USB port, and extension port.

The motion controller features vibration-based haptic technology. In addition to providing a tracking reference, the controller's orb light can be used to simulate aesthetic effects, such as the muzzle flash of a gun, or the paint on a brush.

Using different orb colors for each controller, up to four motion controllers can be tracked at once with the PlayStation Eye. Demonstrations for the controller have featured activities using a single motion controller, as well as those in which the user wields two motion controllers, with one in each hand. To minimize the cost of entry, Sony has stated that all launch titles for PlayStation Move will be playable with one motion controller, with enhanced options available for multiple motion controllers.

According to Sony, use of the motion-tracking library entails some Synergistic Processing Unit (SPU) overhead as well an impact on memory, though the company states that the effects will be minimized.

Navigation Controller: PlayStation Move Navigation Controller is one-handed controller designed for use in conjunction with the PlayStation Move motion controller for certain types of gameplay. Replicating the major functionality of the left side of a standard PlayStation Wireless Controller, tPlayStation Move Navigation Controller features an analog stick, a D-pad, and L1 and L2 analog triggers. The Navigation Controller also features :x: and :circle: action buttons, as well as a PS button. Since all controls correspond to those of a standard Wireless Controller, a Sixaxis or DualShock 3 controller can be used in place of the Navigation Controller in PlayStation Move applications.

New Games:
Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios will release a total of 20 games compatible with the PlayStation Move before April 2011. Currently a number of games have been announced to include support for PlayStation Move, including:

Ape Escape (working title)
Beat Sketcher
Brunswick: Pro Bowling
Champions of Time (working title)
Deadliest Catch: Sea of Chaos
Eccentric Slider (working title)
Echochrome 2
Eyepet
The Fight: Lights Out
Heavy Rain
Heroes on the Move
High Velocity Bowling
Hustle Kings
John Daly's ProStroke Golf
Killzone 3
Kung Fu Live
Kung Fu Rider
Little Big Planet 2
The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest
NBA 2K11
Pain!
Racquet Sports
Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition
Ruse: The Art of Deception
The Shoot (working title)
Sing and Draw (working title)
Singstar Dance
Sorcery
The Sly Collection
SOCOM 4
Sports Champions
Start The Party!
Time Crisis: Razing Storm
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2011
Time Crisis: Razing Storm
Tower (working title)
Toy Story 3
Tron Evolution the Video Game
Tumble
TV Superstars
Under Siege

Full Game List: http://move.gamespot.com/games/index.html

Companies:
Alongside Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios and its second-party partners, a total of 36 third-party game development companies will support the PlayStation Move and develop games compatible with it.

Accessories:

Guns
Chargers
Controller Grips
Misc.
________
Vaporite solo

 

[jefXfree]

Masachika Kawata: The development costs of developing on 360 and PS3 are very high...however, I think that because the market for the next-generation consoles is really taking shape, I don't think it's going to limit the amount of risk much. Having said that, in that marketplace, a game will really have to stand out and have really unique features in order to stand out. Otherwise it'll get lost in the crowd, so I think that's one thing where companies are really going to have to concentrate on -- how they will make their motion-equipped game stand out in the marketplace.

Josh Tsui: That's hard to predict right now. My guess -- and I'll probably end up being dead wrong -- is that there will probably be more experimentation in the downloadable sector at first. Not that higher-end games can't be experimental; it's just that the dev times are shorter for downloadables, so you'll probably see all kinds of stuff coming in smaller packages sooner. Eventually larger games will come out, but that usually happens once developers get a real grasp of the advantages of each console. Like anything that has to do with technology, stuff isn't getting any cheaper. Even with outsourcing, the costs have pretty much stayed the same if not gotten more expensive because people keep wanting more.

1UP: Do you think we'll see a lot of traditional games with bonus motion features layered on for Natal or Sony's device, or we'll mostly see games made specifically for these interfaces?

Eric Nofsinger: You are going to get both. Initially, the big three are going to support their technology with games that are built specifically for it. Most publishers, however, are going to want the quick and dirty add-on, as this is the most cost-effective way to support the new technology. Once the technology has undergone some real-world testing, I think you will see more publishers looking to exploit the technology fully in their games.

Mike Ball: Developing traditional games with bonus features is an excellent way of hooking users into buying of these peripherals. It's very low risk too, so I'm sure we'll see a lot of it. I imagine we'll also see a lot of games developed by the platform holders, nagging us that "if you had a Natal box, you could now put your face on this character" if we don't own one of these peripherals. [Smiles]

Josh Tsui: Yeah, what will most likely happen is that a lot of games will jump on the bandwagon late and try to slap something in at first. Then after a cycle or two they'll be smarter about how to make it more integrated to the game for that system. It really comes down to what the game is about. I personally don't think any of the above systems would wipe out other types of controllers.

1UP: When you first saw or heard of the Natal concept, was there anything that popped into your head as an obvious game design someone should develop for it?

Eric Nofsinger: Actually there were several ideas that popped up. The initial fervor of creativity was overwhelming but we eventually settled on several very cool ideas. As to what those are, you will just have to wait and see.

Mike Ball: It'll be perfect for a mime artist simulator! Seriously though, I wouldn't want to give away any game ideas, but I do imagine that it will lead into some really interesting training programs. If its ability to track the entirety of your body is good enough, then perhaps we will see programs that can analyze your movement and give you feedback as to how well you are performing the movement.

Josh Tsui: Yeah for sure some ideas popped up; that's our job! That's what's fun about doing what we do. We see something new and instantly a million ideas flood into our heads. For Tony Hawk Ride, the moment they mentioned standing on a board, we came up with all kinds of ideas from day one and it blew up from there.

Source: 1up.com

 

[jefXfree]

Mike Ball: It'll be perfect for a mime artist simulator! Seriously though, I wouldn't want to give away any game ideas, but I do imagine that it will lead into some really interesting training programs. If its ability to track the entirety of your body is good enough, then perhaps we will see programs that can analyze your movement and give you feedback as to how well you are performing the movement.

so we'll be seeing games like UPS simulator in the near future (lol!)

 

[jefXfree]

seriously.. I'd LOVE to get a port of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King for the PS3.

 

[jefXfree]

SEGA to unveil PS3/360 motion tech games in early 2010

SEGA’s Mike Hayes has revealed that the industry giant is planning to announce games for both Sony and Microsoft’s motion-sensing peripherals some time in early 2010.

Speaking to IndustryGamers, Hayes commented, “We’d like to think that in early 2010 we’ll be making announcements about both of those platforms.”

Hayes added that the projects are still in their infancy stage, with the company still getting to grips with the new technology: “We have our ideas and we know what we want to do, but the technology is pretty new, particularly with Natal, so we’ve got to get to grips with the technology and see if it can do what we want it do,” he explained.

“I kind of think of it as the land of bunsen burners and test tubes.”

Sony's wand device was first announced at E3 earlier this year, with a release date scheduled for spring 2010.

 

[jefXfree]

Square Enix: PS3/360 motion-tech will have small impact

Square Enix chief Yoichi Wada has said that he believes Sony and Microsoft’s upcoming motion controllers won't have a substantial impact on hardware sales when the devices hit store shelves next year.

Speaking to the Financial Times, the executive labelled the new peripherals as ‘limited’ in comparison to what he described as the three pillars that current hardware is based on – namely, network, Blu-ray/DVD functionality and playing games.

“Present game machines already have a lot of functions: they are a network terminal, a Blu-ray or DVD player, and a gaming machine. Compared to these three pillars, the [new motion] controllers are quite limited, so the impact may be small. They are an extension of the gaming function,” said Wada.

Despite this, he seemed fairly intrigued with Xbox 360’s Project Natal, adding, “As a user interface it’s fantastic and I think it will become standard,” and claimed that we can expect a new Wii console in 2011 boasting “functionality more like that of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 or Sony’s PlayStation 3, and possibly a different controller.”

 

[jefXfree]

TGS 09: More on motion controller; software outlined

Sony has provided more information on its forthcoming motion controller through a press release, featuring details on the controller’s physical specs, and what games are in the pipeline. Sony is touting that the ‘high-precision’ motion sensors in the controller will deliver a new entertainment experience to the PlayStation 3 when combined together with the PlayStation Eye camera.

The new controller is equipped with two motion sensors, three axes gyroscope and three axes accelerometer that can detect the controller’s angle and movement. Coupled with the Eye camera, the motion controller will detect natural and intuitive movements of the hand and reflect the precise movement on to the game. The ball on top of the controller tracks the controller’s position, but it also gives visual feedback to the gamer by changing the color or the illuminating patterns. The controller will also come equipped with a rumble feature.

Sony also provided a list of software titles from SCE Worldwide Studios.

Motion Controller Titles
----------
Ape Escape (Working Title)
Echochrome 2 (Working Title)
Eccentric Slider (Working Title)
Sing and Draw (Working Title)
Champions of Time (Working Title)
Motion Party (Working Title)
The Shoot (Working Title)
Tower (Working Title)
PAIN*
Flower*
Hustle Kings*
High Velocity Bowling*
EyePet*


*Motion control function will be added by network update, etc.

 

[jefXfree]

TGS 09: RE5: Alternative Edition unveiled, will support PS3 wand

Resident Evil 5 producer Jun Takeuchi confirmed at the Tokyo Game Show this week that Capcom plans on re-releasing the popular action/horror romp next year under the moniker of RE5: Alternative Edition.

According to Takeuchi-san, this revamped version will be fully compatible with Sony’s motion-sensing controller, with gamers able to utilize both the wand and DualShock 3 pad when playing the game. An icon will appear on-screen for aiming purposes, similar to Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition.

Elsewhere, the game will also apparently feature a host of extra content as requested by fans, though Takeuchi didn’t divulge any specific details on the matter. However, speculation doing the rounds on the web suggests a new scenario staring Jill Valentine (fuelled by a recent interview with Valentine’s voice actress, Patricia Ja Lee, who has apparently recorded fresh dialogue for the game) will feature, as well as the extra costumes previously only featured in the PC edition of the title.

Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition is currently pencilled in for release in Japan in Spring 2010, with a western release yet to be confirmed. Expect a teaser trailer for the game later this week.

 

[jefXfree]

PS3's motion controller name leaked?

We already know that the PlayStation 3 motion controller is an important part of the console's future, but we still don’t know what to call the device. Sony has stayed mum on the subject from when the controller was first announced at this year’s E3, and in our recent interview. It appears another company may have revealed the name recently, keeping the name of the motion controller about as secret as the PS3 Slim.

Speaking at the UBS 37th Annual Global Media Conference in New York City Wednesday morning, John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts, made a comment about Sony and Microsoft’s plans to enter the motion controller business in 2010.

“In the coming year, both Sony and Microsoft have announced new controllers, Motion sensor controls, Natal and Gem, these are likely to bring new consumers into the marketplace,” he said.

We’re checking in with Sony about the name, but a rep has already told IGN that an official name has not been announced. However, a SCEA rep told Kotaku that the name ‘Gem’ was just an early code name for the product, and not official name hasn’t been announced.

What are your thoughts on the name ‘Gem’ for the PlayStation’s motion controller?

 

[Horhay]

I'll probably see this at E3 next year.

 

[mobius387]

More game companies on board for PS3 motion control

Sony’s motion controller is getting support from many in the gaming development community, although, not full support from gamers themselves. EA’s Jens Uwe Intat has told MCV that the company will have games ready for the launch of the PlayStation 3 motion controller.

He said both Sony’s and Microsoft’s motion controllers will allow for new gaming experiences for existing players, but the controllers will also introduce new people to gaming. Essentially, he believes these motion controllers will do for Sony and Microsoft what the Wii and Wii remote controller did for Nintendo.

“Our studios are working with the first parties to create some interesting games for those controllers,” he said. “We can expand the audience for an existing game, but it’s also a good time to come up with brand new ideas and way to play.

In addition, David Cage, the boss at Quantic Dream, said the studio is interested in experimenting with the PS3 motion controller, especially in with more mature games. Speaking with Destructoid, he said the motion controller will help create a new way of playing games.

Quantic Dream is the studio behind the upcoming PS3 exclusive Heavy Rain. The game will take advantage of the built-in motion controls found on the SIXAXIS. Cage said the entire interface is built around “motion and physical immersion.”

psu.com/More-game-companies-onboard-for-PS3-motion-controller-News--a008513-p0.php

 

[DaMexiRican]

It'd be interesting to see what they do with it

 

[xtop]

Is Sony's Motion Controller Now Named "Arc"?

http://kotaku.com/5452232/is-sonys-motion-controller-now-named-arc

Sony's stab at motion control for the PlayStation 3 is currently known only as the PlayStation 3 Motion Controller, a name that likely won't stick. But is the glowing magic wand ultimately going to be known as Arc?

That's what VG247 says, citing an unnamed but "concrete source" who outs the PlayStation Eye powered wand as Arc. It was at one point known as Gem, at least during the prototype stage and to the best of EA CEO John Riccitiello's knowledge.

With the PS3's motion controller due sometime this spring, the reveal of that final name can't be far behind. Neither sounds quite "right" to me personally, but stranger things have happened. What do you think?

Oh, and if you have any informative but similarly anonymous tips, you know where to find us!

 

[jefXfree]

Yet another PS3 motion controller name rumor

There are a lot of questions gamers have regarding Sony’s plans to enter the motion controller business. Will the controller have any buttons? Will we see support for more than casual games? Will it have an impact on hardcore gamers? And, will it be as popular as Natal or the Wii?

It seems the logical first question is what exactly do we call the PlayStation 3 motion controller? Sony has repeatedly referred to it as just that, the Motion Controller, but that doesn’t stop people from trying to get the jump on the official name.

According to VG247, the motion controller will be named “Arc.” The site has this information on ‘good authority,’ without giving details about the source. Last month we heard EA’s John Riccitiello refer to the controller as “Gem,” which was apparently an early code name for the product.

Unfortunately Sony stays mum on rumors, so we’ll have to continue and wait for an official announcement from the company regarding the controller’s name.

If you are anything like us, you are likely more interested in how the device will perform than what we’ll call it when it’s released before the end of the year.

 

[jefXfree]

Sony's Motion Controller available worldwide fall 2010

Sony Computer Entertainment officially announced today that its Motion Controller for the PlayStation 3 will be available in fall 2010 in Japan, Asian regions and countries, North America and Europe/PAL territories. The announcement says the controller will be released alongside an ‘extensive line-up of exciting software titles.’

The Motion Controller, as it is tentatively named (still), will require the PlayStation Eye to operate. Both devices will detect the natural and intuitive movements of the hand and reflect the precise movement within the game. Sony believes this will offer a ‘whole new entertainment experience on PS3.’

"We have decided to release the Motion Controller in fall 2010 when we will be able to offer an exciting and varied line-up of software titles that will deliver the new entertainment experience to PS3 users," said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "We will continue to work to have a comprehensive portfolio of attractive and innovative games for the Motion Controller, not only from SCE Worldwide Studios but also from the third party developers and publishers, whom we have been working closely with. We look forward to soon unveiling the exciting software line-up that further expands and defines the PS3 platform as the ultimate entertainment system for the home."

 

[the_ps_hero]

as good as they make it sound,i'm not buying it or the marketing hype.


i enjoy playing the game with an controller and always have since the start.
who need's to swing their arm's all day to find a game even more fun then what it has to offer on it's own of a good story line,Nice Graphics.


I'll save my energy for more important things that I'll exactly get paid for then trying to Pass a level on video game.

 

[jefXfree]

as good as they make it sound,i'm not buying it or the marketing hype.


i enjoy playing the game with an controller and always have since the start.
who need's to swing their arm's all day to find a game even more fun then what it has to offer on it's own of a good story line,Nice Graphics.


I'll save my energy for more important things that I'll exactly get paid for then trying to Pass a level on video game.

I agree. I got sucked into the hype with the Wii, now it's a dust magnet. I wont be buying this until it's SUPER cheap.

 

[jefXfree]

Sony's Motion Controller referred to as "Arc" by THQ boss

We recently heard rumors that Sony’s new motion controller was named “Arc.” As it turns out, THQ’s CEO Brian Farrell referred to the controller as “PlayStation Arc” during the company’s investor call today.

"We are focused on our continued leadership in [casual games], taking advantage of the lower hardware price points that we expect will attract new mass market gamers, and new family-friendly platforms such as Microsoft's Natal and the PlayStation Arc motion controller," he stated.

He continued to call the controller “Arc” during the call, both in his prepared statements and follow-up Q&A.

Sony hasn’t officially named its controller. In its latest announcement, stating the device is scheduled for a fall release, the company referred to it as the PlayStation Motion Controller. We are speaking with Sony this week about its motion controller plans, and how it will impact gamers, later this week. Stay tuned.

 

[thunda123]

Wasn't this supposed to come out in the spring? Didn't they already say that a few months ago. The one thing that kind of bothers me about Sony is they always give release dates that they can't keep. Don't give a release date if it's not gonna come out within a month of the original release date. I hate when they do stuff like this. Not like I'm jumping at the chance to pick up this "ARC" thing though.

 

[jefXfree]

Wasn't this supposed to come out in the spring? Didn't they already say that a few months ago. The one thing that kind of bothers me about Sony is they always give release dates that they can't keep. Don't give a release date if it's not gonna come out within a month of the original release date. I hate when they do stuff like this. Not like I'm jumping at the chance to pick up this "ARC" thing though.

I hate that too. (The release date thing)... But I also hate how they REFUSE to make an official announcement when EVERYONE IN THE WORLD KNOWS the information that they keep denying.

They wanted to hold off on revealing the slim until their conference, they announced it and no one cared, EVERYONE already knew... Now with this thing, they REFUSE to tell the name, though it's becoming common knowledge what they're going to call it.

Dear Sony,

Just give us the info yourselves... And an accurate launch! Is it REALLY that hard?

 

[thunda123]

I hate that too. (The release date thing)... But I also hate how they REFUSE to make an official announcement when EVERYONE IN THE WORLD KNOWS the information that they keep denying.

They wanted to hold off on revealing the slim until their conference, they announced it and no one cared, EVERYONE already knew... Now with this thing, they REFUSE to tell the name, though it's becoming common knowledge what they're going to call it.

Dear Sony,

Just give us the info yourselves... And an accurate launch! Is it REALLY that hard?

Completely agree! They don't seem to know when to keep quiet and when to open their mouths. They allow others to ruin their surprises