How the New Project Natal Works

Microsoft shocked the video gaming world at the E3 conference in the summer of 2009 when they announced their newest offering to the video gaming world, an accessory for the Xbox 360 code named Project Natal.  Project Natal is a system that will allow you to be able to control video games with your entire body motions.  It is definitely going to revolutionize how video games are played, taking it a step further than the Nintendo Wii did with it’s motion-control of video games when it was released.  The main question that people have when they see the Project Natal games in action, is wondering how Project Natal works.

Project Natal uses two different kinds of camera and combines them with special software that can translate what the two cameras see into actions on the video games.  The first camera that it has is an RGB camera that is similar to pretty much any video camera that you would see on the market.  it is able to see you, in full color, and see all of your hand movements and gestures, as well as take any pictures of you.  The second camera is an infrared camera that can see different depths and so it can sense when you are moving towards and away from the camera, as well as detect minor movements in your hands other parts of your body.

In addition to the cameras, it has a multi-array microphone that can pick up on different voices and recognize those voices.  It also is able to differentiate between background noises, and actual vocal commands that are being spoken to the game.  Different developers are using the voice recognition technology in different ways.  One company is creating a game where you’ll be able to interact with a character on the screen, and the character will be able to recognize different voice inflections, and other vocal cues and use that in the interaction.

This technology definitely has the possibility of revolutionizing the video game market.  I am excited for all of the possibilities there are for this technology and what new sorts of games they will come up with to utilize Project Natal.

Why I like Video Games: Confessions of a Video Game Aficionado

The age of video games are palpably becoming a major spate that a lot of gamers both young and old are crazy with what a few push of buttons, blowing stuffs-up here and there and fighting against whimsical monsters can do to their leisure time. Young people particularly male population is more hard-wired when it comes to video games weigh against their other extreme. So to answer the question, why I like video games, makes it a perfect subject of this article.

1. World-weariness

I like video games and many would definitely agree that it virtually kills boredom. Try to observe unfilled and vacant hours of a young boy and he would either spend time in front of the television or grab a controller and use up significant hours playing video games. This is because young individuals would rather spend their time to satisfy their playful nature and their creativity to go for things they find appealing. It somehow eases life’s monotony and boredom especially the very concept of fulfilling craving authority and domination as the master controller of the game.

2. Curiosity

Video games have created a virtual image of triggering curious minds to counter. This is particularly evident on moments where a certain stimulus initiates it or whenever it is necessary. Virtual characters from pixilated monsters and creatures to superheroes serve as a gamer’s representation in this virtual face ups that they’ve become so hyped up by the challenge. It is as if the latent captor in these young aficionados is given the chance to claim and conquer territories right in their own fingertips.

3. Entertainment

“I like video games because I am entertained”. If you would try to ask hard core gamers, you will certainly have this statement for an answer. They play because it’s simply pleasurable and entertaining. The cyber world has been an instant escape from the reality, from the real world. The moment you turn on your game console and sit down in front of your PC, Xbox, PS2, or GameCube, all worries and hassles seem to drift away as you fully engage yourself into it.

4. The Cyber and Social Interaction

Video games are loved for its ability to commune online gamers from different poles apart. Virtual interaction is easily established and the concept of playing different images fulfills the concept of many unknown yet famous gamers online. So, if you’re in for some virtual interactions, video games are the surest way to go.

5. Self-Esteem and Competitiveness

Whether it is online gaming or console games such as Playstation or Xbox, accomplished players value the nature of competition and achievements in a game. The reason why a lot of young people like video games is the fact that they get constantly complimented for good games and missions accomplished, quest completed and battles triumphed. Even if these successes are not realized in real life, the feeling of self worth and confidence plays a significant role in molding the personality of each and every gamer.

These are some of the main reasons why video games are adored and preferred by great numbers of aficionados. I’ve already said my piece, stand my ground and rested my case. How about you? Why do you like video games?

Guitar Hero for Girls?

Check out these video of “Guitar Hero for Girls“, a fake video game ad that makes fun of the Guitar Hero franchise. As you may know Guitar Hero and Rock Band are on fierce competition and they’ve gone mad taking out game after game.

We wouldn’t be surprised if they DO put out a “Guitar Hero for Girls” at one point in time.  Of course, that is leaving the household controllers aside…

Check out the video of “Guitar Hero for Girls” below, and leave your comments!