In 2010, gaming on PS3 becomes even more immersive with the arrival of the PlayStation Move motion controller, explains Shuhei Yoshida, president of SCE Worldwide Studios.
What influenced the design of the PlayStation Move motion controller?
Technically speaking, the essential part of the controller is the sphere. There is a specific requirement to make the size as it is, in a perfect spherical shape. The hardware designer at Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI), Yano-san, worked on a design to integrate the sphere and make it accessible and friendly to users.
The second unique feature is the Move button on the front of the controller. With the movement of the arms being such an integral part of using the controller, we feel that it is better to have one big button, making it easier for anyone to understand and press.
The third is to make the controller easy to hold and difficult to lose from your hand when you move your arm around. The concave shape fits snugly in your hand, while at the same time providing a firm grip.
How does the introduction of the PS Move motion controller impact on game design?
It forces fundamental rethinking around how a game should be designed. The game developer needs to throw away a conventional wisdom of how gamers use a controller and instead consider what will provide the most immersive experience and make players feel a direct connection with the game. If this cannot be achieved, players will just be happy to stay with using the DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller.
What types of games are best suited to the PS Move motion controller?
We have been testing with many kinds of titles from many different teams and so far we have not found any genre that does not work well with the controller. Perhaps simulation games, such as driving or guitar games, would be served better by a steering wheel or a guitar controller. Besides these genres, which are already served well by real world simulated peripherals, the controller works well with any kind of game. The high fidelity of motion recognition and real time response are the key for the success of any motion based game input device, and the controller surpasses in these areas anything that is available in the market either at present or later in 2010.
What is unique about the PS Move motion controller?
There are many things that are unique about the controller. To name a few: the precision of recognising a player's motion, the 3D location and orientation of the controller, the response time that is as good as DUALSHOCK 3, the camera and audio input that allows Augmented Reality games as well as introducing a player's image and voice into the game, the sphere colour changing to respond to the game and the Move button on the front, making it easier to interact with, to name but a few.
These features help create totally new, immersive experiences for our all current PS3 owners, whilst also expanding the audience making games more accessible and fun for all ages.
How will the PS Move motion controller change the way people interact with their PS3?
With the new controller, PlayStation 3 will become more accessible to wider audiences, from small kids to even your grandmother. All gamers will be more active in front of their TVs and, regardless of the type of game, the gaming experience will be far more immersive.
How much time has been spent testing the controller in various ambient conditions, such as in different light?
We've been testing the controller under various ambient conditions since its early prototype. Unless it is used in direct sunlight, it is pretty robust in different lighting conditions.
What is the philosophy behind the PS Move motion controller in terms of how PlayStation 3 will continue to engage with existing and new audiences?
The controller is inclusive whether it is our existing PlayStation community or brand new audiences. We can make our games easily accessible and at the same time create enough nuances and depth to the game to satisfy our existing audience of core gamers.
To what level will the PS Move motion controller be integrated into gameplay?
In addition to games being built from the ground up for the controller, many of our new titles will support it as well. We believe we can expand our audience of existing franchises by the use of the controller, making the games more accessible as well as providing an even more immersive experience.
What has been your favourite moment using the controller so far?
Playing the title Sports (working title) and feeling a direct connection between my subtle movements and the game.
Keep an eye on PlayStation Blog at blog.eu.playstation.com and eu.playstation.com for more news and information on the PlayStation Move motion controller.
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