Xbox Fluid: Microsoft's Equivalent to the Wii?

Xbox Fluid is a brand new technology developed by Microsoft that implements motion sensing to mimic actions depicted in a game. As seen by this video on Realtechtalk.net it shares a striking resemblance to the way the Nintendo Wii operates. The big difference? Fluid does not need the gamer to hold a controller.

Although this is pretty big news, the hype surrounding Fluid has been lost with some of the bigger announcements made at E3. Browsing through several of the more popular gaming forums, I hardly noticed any discussion on Fluid. Xbox 360 users are generally not casual gamers like the Wii is set out to attract. The ease of use of the Wii with its family oriented games and ability to pick up and play (and even get some excersise) is what has attracted the casual audience.

I have played all three current generation consoles, the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii, and own two out of the three. The main difference between the Wii and the other two is what I just mentioned: the audience. Hardcore gamers go towards the side of the Playstation 3 or Xbox 360. Casual gamers go towards the Wii. The motion sensing technology being implemented in the Wii does not usually provide for an in-depth gaming experience, something hardcore gamers seek.

Fluid is like pushing the casual gamer into a hardcore gaming environment, or pushing the hardcore gamer into a casual gaming environment. The idea itself is great, but would suit the Wii best. I've played the Wii many times and being able to play some of the games without a controller would be great. That's what Fluid is setting out to do, only on the Xbox 360. It would be a lot better if this technology was being released on the Wii.

Then there is the issue if it will actually work or not. As one can see in the video, a small camera is what is being used to capture the player's movements. It seems like this could pose a lot of problems if Microsoft does not get it completely perfect. Even with the Wii's "wiimotes" I have had a few times where there were some issues.

I can see only a small percentage of Xbox 360's audience purchasing Fluid. If Microsoft had developed this technology and released it with the launch of the console itself, I think it would have a much better chance. Some of the bigger announcements at E3 have really grabbed the attention of the Xbox 360 users, and Fluid does not seem to be gaining a lot. It is a good idea but it is being released on the wrong platform.

Is Fluid going to be the next big thing in the gaming industry? I highly doubt it. Nintendo set the bar as far as motion sensing gaming goes when they released the Wii. Sony has tried it with "sixaxis" and has gotten mixed results. I can not see Microsoft doing much better, especially since the technology has already been used.

Source:

Realtechtalk.net, "Xbox Fluid?" Real Tech Talk