Why Motion Controls Will Never Be the Focus of Hardcore Sports Games

[JPCaveman13]

I agree with aspects from both sides of this. Motion control is a good way to get involved in some types of gaming and to have fun with family and friends, but for hardcore sports gamers, this can be a hassle unless it's boxing, golf, bowling, tennis, and maybe some aspects of baseball. Motion control can possibly find a niche in the major sports in mini-game form. For that to happen though, accuracy in replicating the motion from the user to on the screen needs vast improvement. As technologically sound as the current motion capture systems are, they are just not feasible for the casual gamer in terms of cost and equipment needed (high-quality digital cameras and a tight spandex/neoprene suit with reference points on the joints that are different than the background).

Unfortunately, as it stands, motion-based gaming is best served right now is to solidify its motion capture system technology, to work out as many of the bugs and glitches the system has, and to refine the coding as much as possibly on the current market for games before trying to move into the hardcore sports market. Even then, it should start slowly through a mini-game platform and gain perceptible results before entering into the mainstream portion of hardcore sports games.

[DirrtySouth78]

I actually had this discussion at work today, and I used MLB The show as an example. I wouldn't want to simulate throwing over 100 pitches every game. I joked that you could see the first Tommy John Surgery from video games cause someone tried to play 2 or three games in a row and just kill his arm.

Now while it was a joke, my point was pretty much the same as what was in the article. I'm on my feet all day at work, and video games are my downtime, my way to wind down after work. The last thing I wanna do is be physically active playing a game. I go to the gym 5 times a week, thats when I wanna get my exercise not while playing a game

[w1ck3d50xf4n]

I agree with everyone here. If I really wanted to get some exercise I would go to the local Y and play some pick-up ball. I play video games to relax. I don't play them to get exercise. Don't get me wrong, I'll play some of the casual games with friends at a party or just to mess around but if I want a good workout there's a gym 100 yards from my front door. The Wii was very popular because this was the first time we seen video games that we could play in a new way. This also attracted the casual gamer, little kids, and people that don't play traditional video games. As for the hardcore gamer, no way. The writer is correct. It's a gimmick that will fade over time.

For example, I picked up a bowling game that looked a lot cooler on the box than it actually was. I tried the motion controls and it took me quite a while to get the hang of it. Even after I started to bowl a decent game I was already tired of having to stand up and swing my arm over and over again. I tried to figure out a way to play the game with just the controller but found out the game doesn't have that option. This was a huge turn-off for me. If sports games start to head in that direction I am done as a gamer. I am not lazy, I actually like physical activity and playing real sports, just not in a video game.

[Qball128]

Re: Why Motion Controls Will Never Be the Focus of Hardcore Sports Games

all i know is....when i get home i just want to sit back and play a game of madden....not play IN a game of football.

[Cardot]

Re: Why Motion Controls Will Never Be the Focus of Hardcore Sports Games

Before video games game along, sport simulation games where played with dice, cards and ratings sheets. If you could go back in time and tell those guys "Hey, in the future, you will be able to play the games on TV, and manipulate the players by moving your thumbs around a controller", I think there might be some resisitance. Change is always tough.

[Galarius]

Motion will work for baseball and golf, but not football or hoops...don't know about hockey

[bwburke94]

Re: Why Motion Controls Will Never Be the Focus of Hardcore Sports Games

Wii Sports failed big time, Madden 10 for Wii was worse... oh, and don't forget those Mario games. I doubt HD graphics will be able to change that.

[Cardot]

Re: Why Motion Controls Will Never Be the Focus of Hardcore Sports Games

Wii Sports failed big time,.

Wii Sports failed? People went crazy for it when it came out. It exceeded expectations by far.

[Crash Davis]

Motion will work for baseball and golf, but not football or hoops...don't know about hockey

Galarius has the right idea, why NBA would even attempt is just dumb, but golf and baseball and perhaps tennis definatley have the potential to be great. They wont be the default controls but will be available and can make a huge difference if done properly! have some faith people motion controllers arent rocket science

[Gordy748]

I played Playstation move sports recently, and have to say... it's fantastic. I played this game of golf, except with a frisbee... apparently it's a real game? Anyway, I had a lot of fun.

I agree that any game would need to have a traditional game pad interface option, but I think Motion Controls have a big future ahead. Imagine having to pass like Brett! Then stiff arm like LaDanian! Way cool, in my opinion.

[CornerBlitz]

Re: Why Motion Controls Will Never Be the Focus of Hardcore Sports Games

I absolutely agree with this. The fine-tuning required to accurately simulate the motions of hardcore sports games are too complex, and just think about all the things required to effectively play a game like Madden or MLB. I just don't think the industry is at a level where you can accurately simulate those things through motion control, and I think it's a cost-prohibitive effort to try.

Just my two cents.