Microsoft’s Xbox 360 system overseer Aaron Greenberg has forecast that the company’s forth-coming Project Natal movement control system will probably sell “millions and millions” around the Xmas period.
The product, which as decribed numerous times in my blog 
will make use of sensors and a 3D video camera to manipulate on-screen game activity, has recently been rumoured for an October launch, but will most probably instead get a significant marketing and advertising thrust for the critical festive home market.
Discussing Natal in the April edition of Edge journal, Greenberg stated that the primary emphasis for Natal is generating “original experiences, built from the ground up”.
“We believe that’s important because the first impression has to be a magical one,” he revealed.
“because we expect millions and millions of these things to be sold this Christmas, over time developers will know millions of customers have these sensors so they can add functionality to their games.
“So you may see hybrid approaches, but our initial focus is on those unique experiences.”
Close to two thirds of designers have currently verified plans to build games for the Natal platform, including Sega, Rare, Ubisoft and THQ.
I reckon millions is probably accurate but what do you think?
Ste
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m sure it will do well – i’ll be picking mine up before Xmas – hopefully!
The time for Natal will soon be here, although I for one will not be buying it. I just don’t get it, if I want that sort of interaction with my games console I will get a Wii, after all that’s the whole concept of the Wii and why I enjoy playing it with friends and family.
The 360 to me is a games console to be enjoyed with real games, especially online and without the need for gimmicks etc.
I think 3D gaminig will be the future since the 3D side of things with cinema and tv’s is set to take off in the near future.
Image MW2 in 3D that would be amazing!!!
3D gaming will be eventually big when everyone can get great 3D without using glasses.
I expect Nintendo’s 3DS to be huge because it will be a huge upgrade in quality and it will change a lot of things and last but not lease it will have 3D without glasses and out of the box.
Sony with their 3D can’t do that (you need to buy a brand new TV) and you have to wear glasses and that is not realistic.
As for Natal, yes, that is the future and this will be a big hit starting this Christmas and on to next year. It takes what the Wii has and puts it into another level.
Sony’s Move is cool, but you are going to have to invest a ton of money for what natal gives you out of the box and you still won’t have everything.