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Microsoft’s decision to unbundle Kinect from Xbox One “kills the chances of making an original Kinect title” unless it is a licensed fitness or dance product, Zumba Fitness developer Zoë Mode has said.
Speaking to Develop, studio head Paul Mottram explained that he understood the reasons leading to Microsoft’s decision, but that he felt sorry for Kinect developers who have “had the rug pulled from beneath them”.
“We’ve been closely involved with Microsoft over the last few years and I imagine this decision wasn’t taken lightly, but it’s understandable as they need to compete with the PS4 on price,” he said. “However, whilst it wasn’t perfect, Kinect helped differentiate the platforms, which can only be a good thing.
“From a developer point of view it’s a shame, as it all but kills the chances of making an original Kinect title unless it is a major licensed Fitness or Dance product – and even those will suffer as it’s unlikely we’ll see Kinect 2 units even come close to the installed base of the original now. Even then it was a challenge.
“I just feel sorry for those developers who had Kinect titles in development who’ve had the rug pulled from beneath them and may now stand little chance of seeing a return on their investment.”
Mottram added that he hopes to see smaller developers come up for a “killer use” for Kinect through the ID@Xbox program.
Microsoft announced yesterday that it was to offer Xbox One hardware without Kinect for a reduced £349. The new SKU goes on sale on June 9.
Source: develop-online.net
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