E3 Expo 2010: Motion Gaming, 3D Compatibility, and Handheld Future

Strategic Insights -

As the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) conference E3 2010 wrapped up in Los Angeles, the big three gamers, Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo, revealed significant enhancements to their lineups, focusing on motion gaming and 3D compatibility. Microsoft dominated the conference with its forthcoming motion controller, Kinect, which will be released worldwide on November 4, 2010, while Sony showcased its motion-gaming peripheral, PlayStation Move. Nintendo, meanwhile, revealed its 3DS handheld console, which will debut in Japan at the end of 2010 and arrive in Europe and the US within the following quarter.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft's Kinect motion controller, formerly known as Natal, will be released worldwide on November 4, 2010, with 15 titles from day one, including Kinect Sports, Dance Central, and JoyRide, and further titles and franchises to arrive in 2011.
  • Kinect will allow publishers to see a better return of investment on formerly Wii-exclusive franchises, such as EA's Sports Active, Ubisoft's YourShape, and Konami's Deca Sports.
  • Microsoft will introduce a new slimline iteration of Xbox 360, which will be quieter, have built-in WiFi, and include direct support for Kinect.
  • Nintendo's 3DS handheld console will feature 3D visual functionality without the need for glasses and will include existing DS software compatibility, WiFi, and two cameras for 3D photos.
  • Sony's PlayStation Move will arrive in Japan on October 21, 2010, in Europe on September 15, and the US on September 19, with a price point of $49.99 for a single controller and $99.99 for a bundle.
  • PlayStation Plus, Sony's premium online service, will offer select PS3, PSN, and PS1 titles, demos, and map packs to subscribers for $49.99 per year or $17.99 per quarter.

Statistics:

  • Microsoft will have 15 titles from day one for Kinect, with further titles and franchises to arrive in 2011.
  • Sony will release 20 titles either dedicated to or supported by PlayStation Move before the end of March 2011.
  • PlayStation Move will have 20 currently available titles with Move support, such as Heavy Rain and Killzone 2.
  • Sony's PlayStation Plus will offer exclusive features to subscribers, including select PS3, PSN, and PS1 titles, demos, and map packs.
  • 3DS will debut in Japan at the end of 2010 and arrive in Europe and the US within the following quarter.

Sources:

  • Screen Digest, the leading provider of strategic research and analysis on the global digital media and entertainment industries.
  • ESA (Entertainment Software Association) conference E3 2010.
  • Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo press releases and conference presentations.