Microsoft | Evolving Consumer

Deca Sports Heads to Kinect

When the Kinect for Microsoft’s Xbox 360 is released next month gamers will be able to compete in 10 sporting events from the single Deca Sports Freedom title. This one will feature controller free gaming, which should hopefully get players off the couch and get their hearts pumping as they take part in tennis, boxing, archery, paintball, beach volleyball, dodge ball, kendo, mogul skiing, snowboard cross and figure skating. We’re not sure how all these will work, but we like the sound of it.

“DECA SPORTS FREEDOM is an exciting step forward for the DECA SPORTS franchise,” said Mike Pepe, Director of Marketing at Hudson Entertainment. “We’re proud to embrace new technologies and innovations in gaming in our mission to deliver games that appeal to players of all ages and skill levels.”

The game, which is being published by Hudson Entertainment, will arrive with the release of the Kinect for Xbox 360 video game system on November 18.

Deca Sports Freedom Official Website

17 Controller-Free Games to Launch With Microsoft’s Kinect for Xbox 360

Will gamers get off the couch and get fit? That’s certainly the hope with the upcoming release of Microsoft’s Kinect for the Xbox 360. The motion-control system – which sort of makes the hype about “controller-free” seem not quite accurate – is already sold-out in pre-orders.

Despite that fact, Microsoft has now announced the launch of a multiyear advertising campaign, and more importantly revealed the lineup of 17 controller-free games. Of those, the ones that are most notable for the fitness crowd include:

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved (Ubisoft)
Dance Central (MTV Games/Harmonix)
The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout (THQ)
DanceMasters (Konami)
EA Sports Active 2 (EA Sports), which comes with Total Body Tracking that includes heart rate data
Zumba Fitness (Majesco)

Kinect for Xbox 360 will be available worldwide starting on November 4. It will be released as part of a new Xbox 360 4GB console bundle for $299.99, as well as a standalone unit for $149.99.

For more information:

Microsoft Xbox 360

Can You Lay Down With the Kinect

Game developers might have a problem with gamers hitting the floor with the Microsoft Kinect. We’re not talking about those who suddenly collapse after working out for the first time in ages, but rather on how the Xbox 360 add-on will be able to track users who lay down in certain games. Who is not lying down on the job is Blitz Games CTO Andrew Oliver, who said his team is trying to resolve the issue for the upcoming game The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout.

Joystiq.com is reporting that Oliver noted this problem recently at the Develop Conference. It seems that many of the exercises done on the TV version, such as the usual push-ups and even certain yoga poses, require that one lies on the ground. The Kinect 3D motion sensing hardward can’t track this, and that could be a problem – one that would be a problem in any shooter where you might go prone. Oliver is reportedly working with the team on the issue, and progress has been made so gamers will be able to drop and give the game 20 when it comes out this fall! As if they’d actually get out of doing push-ups!

[Via Joystiq.com: Can Kinect handle a player lying down? Yes and no]

Microsoft Announces Kinect Pricing

You won’t have to wait long to go controller-less with the Xbox 360. Today Microsoft announced that the Kinect game console add-on will be released in North America on November 4, and will cost $149.99. We were hoping that Microsoft would include a fitness game, but instead it looks like the motion and voice control system will be released with the game “Kinect Adventures.”

This game will be also be part of new Xbox 360 bundle, which will include the soon to be released matte black version of the console that now offers a 4GB hard drive. The quasi-fitness game “Kinect Sports” will also be available at launch on November 4, and we’ll expect many third party titles will also arrive in time for the holidays.

Xbox.com

E3 2010: Kinect Fitness Games for the Kinect Launch

Microsoft is taking video game motion controls to a new level with their new accessory for the Xbox 360 called Kinect. Kinect will allow you to be able to play video games hands free. While the Nintendo Wii Fit definitely revolutionized fitness gaming, it had some drawbacks. Having to hold controllers or be limited by the balance board was definitely a drawback for a true workout. Kinect will change all of that because it will be truly free of any hindrances. It will allow you to workout in the privacy of your own home, but also get the real-time one-on-one feedback on how well you are doing the exercises, just like you would get from a personal trainer.

Here are the Kinect fitness games that will be available during the Kinect launch or shortly thereafter:

Your Shape: Fitness Evolution is a game that will be available on the Kinect release date. Your Shape will be able to give you a full body scan, and get your measurements in order to keep track of progress in your arms, legs, midsection, etc. It will also provide you with a trainer who will be able to take you through daily workouts. To not always be training hardcore, Your Shape also has mini-games that are fitness-focused, to allow you to have fun and get a good workout at the same time.

EA Sports Active 2.0 will be coming out a few weeks after the Kinect launch. The original EA Sports Active for the Wii defined what fitness gaming should be. This sequel takes exercise gaming to a whole new level. It will feature a wireless heart rate monitor that you’ll be able to wear on your arm, and you’ll be able to get the result on the screen, so you can always keep your heart rate in the optimal range for fat loss. As with all Kinect titles, it will truly be a controller (and distraction) free workout.

The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout is coming out around the same time as Kinect. You will be able to be trainer by Bob and Jillian, giving you a solid workout just as if you were at the ranch. It features nutrition and health tips to help you to lead an overall better lifestyle. You’ll also be able to change up the workouts, and add some fun while working out by competing in various challenges as seen on the TV show.

E3 2010: Spice Girl Does Fitness Game

: Do you Wannabe in better shape?

When we first read that a former Spice Girl wanted to do a fitness game we assumed it would be Sporty Spice. Then we read it was Mel B and our thoughts were confirmed, but actually Melanie Chisholm, a.k.a. Mel C, is the former Sporty Spice. Melanie Brown, or Mel B, a.k.a. Scary Spice is the one who is actually going to be working on a title for the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 Kinect and PlayStation 3 Move.

“I have always been passionate about videogames and then when I grew up my preferences moved towards fitness and wellbeing.” she said in a press release. “Today I can finally mix together my two big passions, it’s been like a dream.”

The title from Black Bean Games will feature Brown as a celebrity trainer in Get Fit. It will build on the publisher’s previous Fitness First titles and will feature six types of aerobic disciplines and more than 100 exercises. The Brown fitness game will arrive for the holidays

Black Bean Games

E3 2010: UFC as a Fitness Game

: UFC Trainer will arrive for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii in January

There is no denying that anyone entering the cage to compete in mixed martial arts is ripped and probably works out a lot. And we mean a lot. Video games on the hand tend to work out a little and play games a lot. So what if you could somehow marry the two in a way? THQ is on it with a UFC-inspired fitness game for Microsoft Xbox Live Kinect, Sony PlayStation Move and the Nintendo Wii.

And in an interesting twist, unlike many other fitness games this one is actually going to be targeted primarily at men. UFC Trainer won’t actually make it in time for the holidays however, so gamers will have to find some other way to stay in shape this summer and fall, so we suggest turning off the console for a bit.

But from the official line from THQ’s executive VP of core gaming, it should be worth the wait. “We want this thing tuned to perfection without lag. And I’m not going to ship it until it’s the coolest fighting thing in the world.”

THQ website

E3 2010: Zumba Gets You Shaking

One big problem with some workout games is that you need to be in the mood to work out. That’s why a good alternative can be to dance, and Zumba Fitness will get you moving. The company already has a full line of Latin dance and reggae flavored DVDs, and this year at E3 Majesco announced plans to bring the unique fitness program to the video game world.

In Zumba Fitness players can learn and perfect nine different dance styles, ranging from salsa to hip-hop to rumba and reggaeton. The dance game will be accessible to all ages and feature a “learn to steps” training, plus beginner, intermediate and advanced routines. The game will be compatible with Kinect for the Microsoft Xbox 360 for two player fun, plus a four player version for either the Nintendo Wii or the PlayStation 3 Move. Zumba Fitness will arrive this holidays, so get shaking.

Zumba Fitness website

Majesco Entertainment

E3 2010: Exercise Games Coming to More Platforms than Wii

: EA Sports Active 2 is heading to the Xbox 360 and will be compatible with Kinect

The Wii and exercise games have made great companions the past few years. However with Microsoft Kinect on its way, the video game workout may get a whole lot more active. Electronic Arts’ follow up to EA Sports Active is expecting to add more activity to both its Wii and Microsoft Xbox Kinect versions. More activity also means ore sensors and gear however. A demo at EA’s press conference showed wireless activity for EA Sports Active 2, heart rate monitors strapped to the upper arm, and weights and bands added for strength training.

Expect more variation in workouts. The demo included an intense cycling sequence, weight lifting and boxing. The Kinect version measures movement of the entire body versus the Wii version, which measures arms and legs through holding the controller and leg straps.

An online log on EA.com is an added component. Workout data is stored so you can evaluate your progress and fitness goals. You can also share your results and compare progress of others.

EA Sports Fitness 2

E3 2010: Shape Yourself with Microsoft’s Kinect

Kinect Microsoft 360 E3 — Smile you're on the Kinect camera for the Xbbox 360

Exercise games on the market still require you to grab or stand on a controller to get your workout in. Yourshape Fitness Evolved, just announced from Ubisoft for the Microsoft Xbox promises a much more casual yet engaging workout. Using the video and sound controls of the game console’s Kinect, you just have to make sure you have space to move. The camera picks up your image and presents it as a polarized image or heat map-like image of you and captures all of your movements. Select cardio, toning or other activities and get to work. Yourshape Fitness turns some workouts into a game where you can kick and punch boxes that come into range. End your workout with a calming cooldown by doing Tai Chi and other relaxing exercises.

Check back all week for the latest fitness related news from the Electronic Entertainment Expo

Tag: Microsoft