The world of motion gaming was set afire with the invention of Wii by Nintendo. The introduction of Kinect and Move in 2010 has made the market more convoluted with claims of one-upmanship by the latest gaming motion devices, pushing Wii to a poor third.

Kinect seems to have hit the jackpot in the ongoing war with Microsoft claiming that it has sold 8 million units, according to the latest sales figures.

In the gaming world, it is quite difficult to pinpoint exactly how one fares better than the other, efforts are, however, tangible.

Marketing and pitching

One deciding factor for any product to gain momentum in the market is its marketing and positioning. The motion gaming technology has a captive audience who are already being targeted by various companies. The trick is to expand that base. Microsoft has been able to do that with Kinect by positioning the game controller as suitable for family entertainment. The user base automatically expanded.

Microsoft with all its might got big names to endorse the device along with some good commercials and visibility. The Holiday season also added a boost to the sales.

Hardcore gaming Vs Soft Gaming

Contrary to Microsoft's efforts to pull the family audiences, Sony targeted hardcore gamers with Move. Its technology was pitched as something which could be used with existing games like SOCOM, Heavy Rain and a large number of action games. The device is being sold to sure-fire pickers, no attempt was made to rope in new users.

Kinect too is attempting to capture hardcore gamers. With Steel Battalion, Project Draco, Sega’s Rise Of Nightmares and Suda 51’s codename D set for release this year, Move is in for some hard competition. But to get into real hardcore segment Kinect will have to improve its accuracy to cover-up the slight time lag from motion to action on screen.

Although some exclusive Move games are concentrating on this segment, it is E3’s Sorcery that is creating a lot of anticipation. Even LittleBigPlanet 2 has plans to bring in Move support. Given the inventive gaming of LittleBigPlanet, the mind boggles at the immense possibilities of new games that can be created.

Pricing

Another debate going on is about accessories and pricing. With Kinect priced at $150 for its basic hardware. Sony, on the other hand, offers the whole bundle of PlayStation Eye, controller and a game for $100, if you add a navigation controller, the price would still be nearer Kinect than over it

Real gamers still prefer static gaming

After quizzing hard core gamers about their preferences, it was found that the opinions were vociferous and divided, although there was a slight tilt towards Move.

But the general opinion seemed to be that motion gaming has the innovation value and attracts experimentation. However, gamers are clear on the fact that they would rather sit in a chair and get down to their real virtual world. If they desired physical activity, they know they have the whole outdoors to indulge in.

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