Game Control Evolution

Motion and touchscreen controls have become increasingly prevalent over traditional control methods, leading to a new degree of accessibility in video games and a variety of new gameplay ideas.

The video game controller has seen an interesting evolution. The form factor and button combination has changed, but the basic philosophy has mostly stayed the same. The use of mouse and keyboard in PC gaming also follows the same principle, which all utilize a series of button presses to control gameplay on the screen. This has usually created a large barrier-to-entry into gaming for many people, as the controller was often too complex. The past generation of video games have shown a shift away from this traditional method and more towards new and innovative control ideas.

The evolution of video game controllers.

Courtesy of Damien Lopez.

Motion Controlled Gaming

Motion controls in video games have been one of the major contributing factors to the rise of video games these past few years. The Nintendo Wii has spearheaded this run with their Wii remote and the follow-up MotionPlus peripheral. Sony and Microsoft have been busy creating their own motion control experiences, trying to capture some of Nintendo's success and market share in the process. Sony's solution combines their PlayStation Eye camera with their own motion controller to create a system that touts precise accuracy within a full 3D space and the ability for facial and vocal recognition. They have tried their hand at controller-free gaming with the first EyeToy camera for the PS2, but it was met with a mostly lukewarm response. Sony hopes to create a more advanced version of the Wii experience for the PS3, which looks promising.

The Xbox 360 pictured with the Project Natal sensor.

Courtesy of Colony of Gamers.

Microsoft's Project Natal is one of the most ambitious yet. Their sensor utilizes a combination of cameras, microphones, proprietary software, and an array of light sensors to create a completely controller-free, motion-controlled gaming environment. The lack of any physical controller creates a whole new experience that seems one step closer to virtual reality. However, questions of feasibility, accuracy, and possible missing gameplay features arise with no controller or button presses available.

With all three major consoles touting motion control by 2010, there looks to be a fierce showdown for the best motion control experience. All three seem to have their strengths and weaknesses, but it's too early to tell if there will be a clear winner.

Touchscreen Controlled Gaming

The Nintendo DS was one of the first portable devices to successfully leverage touchscreen controls in video games. The dual screen format works well, with the DS having the advantage of both touchscreen and traditional button controls. This seemed like the first showcase of what touch gaming is capable of.

The popularity of smartphones like the Apple iPhone moved this gaming sector to a whole new level. Rather than relying on a stylus for control, the iPhone has a capacitive touchscreen that uses your fingers instead. However, gameplay can be limited with no physical buttons available without an add-on or accessory. The combination of both styles have led to games that are much easier to understand and control.

The Future

Both motion and touchscreen gaming are still in their early phases, with both methods criticized for their more casual nature and the lack of meaningful gameplay in many of the titles. But with new technology always on the rise, there is a lot of potential for video games to evolve even further.

The Reality of Nintendo’s Wii MotionPlus Add-On

Does Nintendo’s accessory-laden product strategy work well with this new controller addition?

The success of the Nintendo Wii has been undisputed. They have opened the door to motion controlled gaming with their Wii remote and the pack-in game, Wii Sports. They remain the leader in market share and console sales over competitors Microsoft and Sony. However, consumers and game developers alike have criticized the lack of precision, accuracy, and capability of the Wii’s controller to provide an immersive and unique game experience. Nintendo has introduced countless peripherals and accessories, but their new MotionPlus add-on plans to remedy this problem with improved motion control and better gameplay possibilities.

MotionPlus Breakdown

The Wii remote with the MotionPlus accessory attached at the bottom.

Courtesy of seth.fortuyn.

The MotionPlus accessory adds a gyroscope to the controller that helps improve motion precision and touts the ability to have 1:1 control. Unlike with the regular Wii remote, MotionPlus allows more exact replication of your movements and better translates them on the screen. They collaborated with company InvenSense to create this technology and solve the problem of poor gameplay and lack of accurate controls.

The product released this past summer and retails for a suggested retail price of $20 for a single add-on. It was also first released in a bundle with EA Sports’ Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 for $60. The recently released Wii Sports Resort is the sequel to the original Wii Sports and serves as Nintendo’s exhibition of what MotionPlus is capable of. The game retails for $50 but includes only a single MotionPlus.

One of the biggest missed opportunities is the fact that this new improved motion control will not work with older game titles. Game developers have not stated intentions of patching games to improve control and gameplay. Instead, MotionPlus will only work with future titles that provide support for the accessory. While some game developers have expressed interest in the product, game developer Ubisoft has announced that their upcoming shooter/sword-fighting title, Red Steel 2 will require MotionPlus to play. Thanks to brisk sales of the peripheral, close to a million units have been sold since early August.

How Well Does It Work?

I have spent some solid gameplay time using the add-on in both Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 and Wii Sports Resort, and I have come away impressed by the improved motion control. Golf was one of my favorite games in Wii Sports, and Tiger Woods highlights the improved gameplay nicely. There is much more control over your swing, with more precise movement required and the ability to detect your full backswing as well as subtle movements of your wrist to control the direction of the ball.

The European version of Wii Sports Resort with the attached MotionPlus.

Courtesy of dreamspower.

Wii Sports Resort represents a nice variety pack of mini-games that show off a multitude of gameplay types to both consumers and developers. Games include Sword Fighting, Basketball, Water Sports, Archery, Frisbee, the return of both Golf and Bowling, as well as many more. Many of these games are fun, but it can be harder to discern the impact of the MotionPlus in certain games. Sword Fighting is one of the best representations of the possible 1:1 control, but it can be harder to tell why games like Basketball couldn’t have been done with the stock Wii remote.

So Is It Worth It?

I applaud Nintendo for trying to improve their technology and allow both consumers and game developers a better experience with the Wii. Both Sony and Microsoft are working on their own motion controlled gaming experiences slated to release next year, so Nintendo’s proactive strategy is good for an overall improved motion gameplay experience. With the Wii reducing the barrier-to-entry to play video games, these steps should help the gaming industry as a whole and add even more legitimacy to this new controller type.

The games I’ve tried show that the MotionPlus does work as described, but it will be up to the developers to create interesting and fun game concepts. The fact that the peripheral costs $20 for each controller indicates quite a hefty investment for Wii owners. I don’t necessarily approve of Nintendo’s peripheral strategy, but the MotionPlus provides a lot of opportunity if both gamers and developers want to take a chance on it.