Gadzooki

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Gadgets
  • Cool Stuff
  • Accessories
  • Apple
  • Cellphones
  • Computers
  • Android
  • Apps

How Will We Be Interacting With Our Video Games In The Future?

September 22, 2011 by Angus Shaw

In a season of price cuts and with the Wii U only a year away, people are naturally wondering what the next big thing is in the world of video games. And since controllers have been such an important element of the current generation, how are we going to be controlling our games in the future? Here’s my thoughts on the technologies out there:

Touchscreen Gaming

Hey, this is easy. Turns out that some elements of the present of video game hardware will probably be around in the future (no, really!). The DS brought us touchscreen gaming over half a decade ago now, but that technology looks especially primitive compared to the offerings from the current wave of smartphones (though the simplicity of smartphone games still leave something to be desired). What’s the future of this technology? Essentially, going bigger and better. Invest in a tablet pc and you’ll immediately see the difference that having a screen nearly three times the size of smartphone can make: precise control over the field of play, as well as far more superior visuals. With a large screen area, you also have more space to integrate input areas, allow for more complex games.

Nintendo’s Wii-U is the immediate future of this tech: a handheld display for a TV-based console providing full touch-screen interaction with the game onscreen (or alternatively, interaction with other information relevant to the player). For me, this is exciting because there are plenty of stagnant game genres that have been consigned to the PC because neither joypads nor motion control have been adequate replacements for the mouse and keyboard. The strategy game springs to mind instantly: games in the vein of Starcraft and Command & Conquer could be revamped for home console play (and touchscreen monitors may ensure that PC versions remain relevant).

Motion Control

Motion control has sold millions of consoles (Wii), and shifted many peripherals (PS3 Move and Xbox 360 Kinect), so is there any doubting that it’s here to stay? Well, flying in the face of overwhelming evidence, I still completely believe that this has been a very successful gimmick. Wiis collect dust, and nobody seems to have the enthusiasm sufficient for developing games for the competitor’s systems. And it all seems like a bunch of daft flapping to me: gesture based control, rather than literal ‘motion’ control.

But in the long term, motion control has the potential to be a cornerstone of interactivity. Microsoft’s Kinect technology is most interesting, as it potentially solves the problem of interactivity solely being about our hands, bringing our entire body into play. But even this kind of motion will always be a source of detachment: objects we pretend to hold will have no weight, we’ll have to ‘pretend run’ to move anywhere. Visions of full-body robotic motion suits arrive in my head with B-movie gusto.

Virtual Reality?

We are, however, getting into the dangerous realm of controllers that would be incredibly immersive, but would be incredibly difficult to sell to people. For all of its motion control innovation, the Wii controller’s most intelligent feature was the fact that it was shaped like a television remote control. It gave consumers something familiar to latch onto when seeking a new experience. Even 3D cinema glasses have found success only by adopting the familiar Wayfarer design.

Full-body motion suits? Scary science fiction nonsense. And another classic idea we’re always going to have trouble accepting is the VR helmet. After decades of uncomfortable, daft looking products and bad science fiction featuring them, we just can’t take them seriously. Perhaps someday someone will develop something sufficiently lightweight and ordinary looking that becomes a mass market favourite. Sony’s new HMZ-T1 3D Virtual Reality Headset is part of the evolution, but don’t expect it to be a huge success. But how are we supposed to interact with games if we can’t see our hands whilst using these things? Motion control probably isn’t the answer, at least if you like not smashing expensive VR visors.

Gamepads

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Video game controllers have reached a sort of equilibrium in the last decade, and though the number of triggers and the position of the two joysticks will vary, there’s a definite formula. Any future console could take a cue from the Vita and feature a rear-mounted touch pad, and motion control seems a likely candidate for inclusion too. But the simple tactile feedback, durability and ease of use of a button has been grossly underestimated in the last few years.

Steph Wood is a copywriter and gaming blogger working on projects for Comet, a UK based retailer who stock cheap iPad 2s and other gadgets.

 

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: consoles, ps3, video games, videogames, Wii, xbox

Wii U is Nintendo’s new console

June 8, 2011 by Rogue

The Electronic Entertainment Expo is much anticipated not only by gaming industry professionals and gamers, it is also a haven for the gadget fans who can drool over the latest electronic gaming gadgets and equipment that are usually previewed in this event. In terms of gadget surprises, Nintendo has captured the attention of E3 followers worldwide for the second year in a row. Last year they announced the Nintendo 3DS and this year the announcement of the successor to the hugely popular Nintendo Wii has everyone talking. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Consoles, NextGen, Nintendo Tagged With: console, high definition, Nintendo, Wii

Sony reveals PlayStation Move

March 11, 2010 by Ade

I have to admit, my mind is officially blown. Sony finally revealed its new PlayStation 3 motion controller at GDC 2010 in San Francisco, and boy is it looking good.

Dubbed the Playstation Move, the advanced motion controls on this baby makes it supposedly more accurate than that other motion controller from that little-known console from Nintendo (maybe you’ve heard of it, it’s called the Wii?). You can operate the controls via action buttons and an analog trigger, with the typical shock and rumble treatment from the controller itself. You can even use the PlayStation Eye camera for 3D simulation, basically putting you in the game.

If that wasn’t enough to make any gamer stop and be excited for this, Sony is set to release at least 20 games that will cater specifically to the new motion controllers.

Just check out games like the brutal street boxing game Dukes.

You will be able to get involved with PlayStation Move in several ways:

  • Camera + controller (including a “starter disc” with a range of demos for games releasing later in the year)
  • A single controller for people who already have a PlayStation Eye camera
  • A full console pack which includes PS3, dualshock3, Move controller + camera
  • Finally some of the PS3’s biggest games will be available with a Move controller included

I admit, I’m not too crazy about the colored lightbulb at the end of those sticks. It really makes the PlayStation Move look a bit silly, but I think I might change my opinion once I get t play with one of those things.

Filed Under: Gaming Features Tagged With: motion controller, playstation move, Wii

Nintendo announces massive Autumn/Winter software collection

October 1, 2009 by Andy Merrett

nintendo-logo

Whether you’re a Wii fanatic or prefer pocket-sized fun with the DS, you’re likely to find something worth getting excited about as Nintendo today announces its Autumn/Winter collection of games and other software titles, hitting stores from tomorrow, through Christmas and into the new year.

First up, Wii Fit Plus will hit European stores at the end of October, offering a range of new exercise features including personalised yoga and strength training routines, lifestyle routines, calorimeter, and a range of new training regimes.

On 20th November, Super Mario Bros arrives on Wii, featuring a fully-fledged adventure that up to four people can play simultaneously.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Consoles, Gaming, Nintendo, Nintendo DS, Wii Tagged With: christmas, ds, Games, Nintendo, Software, Wii

Logitech shows off new Wii music game controllers

September 9, 2009 by Andy Merrett

Wireless_Guitar_Controller_for_Wii

Logitech has today announced two new music game controllers designed for use with music games on the Nintendo Wii.

The Wireless Guitar Controller for Wii is constructed with a maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and metal frets, so it both looks and feels more authentic.

It features a noise-dampening design and fret buttons, plus a touch-sensitive slider on the fret board.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Computer Peripherals, Consoles, Gaming, Nintendo, Wii, Wireless Tagged With: controller, drum kit, Gaming, guitar, logitech, Wii

The Beatles: Rock Band – we now know all but one of the featured tracks

August 18, 2009 by Andy Merrett

beatles-rock-bandThe much-anticipated Beatles edition of Rock Band will contain 45 music tracks, and we now know all but one of them.

Today, MTV Games and Harmonix revealed 19 more of the on-disc tracks. With venue, they are:

  • “Boys” / Cavern Club
  • “A Hard Day’s Night” / Ed Sullivan Theater
  • “I’m Looking Through You” / Shea Stadium
  • “If I Needed Someone” / Shea Stadium
  • “Ticket to Ride” / Shea Stadium
  • “Drive My Car” / Budokan
  • “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
  • “Getting Better” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
  • “Good Morning” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
  • “Hello, Goodbye” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
  • “Hey Bulldog” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
  • “Dear Prudence” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
  • “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
  • “Helter Skelter” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
  • “Something” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
  • “Come Together” / Abbey Road Dreamscape
  • “Don’t Let Me Down” / Rooftop Concert
  • “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” / Rooftop Concert
  • “I Me Mine” / Rooftop Concert

The game will be released worldwide on 9th September (09/09/09), and you can get all the details at the official web site.

Filed Under: Gaming, Music Tagged With: beatles, playstation, ps3, rock band, track listing, Wii, xbox

Wii Keyboards at US$19 after rebate

February 28, 2009 by Jim

logitech-nintendo-wii-keyboardjpg

If you’re the type who CAN wait for a good bargain, even if it takes a couple of weeks, then you just might want line up for something really good at Amazon.  The Logitech Wii keyboard, while temporarily out of stock, is up for grabs.  Ya’ll know it’s for the Wii, which is why they call it the Wii keyboard, and is to be used for games that requires you to type away OR for interacting with the internet thru your Wii.

With Opera web browser for the Wii you can log on to GMail, Yahoo or Hotmail and write a quick e-mail using USB or Bluetooth Wii Keyboard or visit your favorite Forum and write some posts right from your living room without turning on the PC.

Regular price is about US$49.99 at New Egg, and Buy.com has it for about the same price plus free shipping.  Not bad if you can’t wait for the Amazon deal.   Catch the Wii keyboards at Amazon and pre-order  right here.

Filed Under: Accessories, Wii Tagged With: Keyboard, Wii

Categories

© 2023 · Splashpress Media