One particular application of ‘Milo’ could be in the RPG conversation realm. Currently, gamers select preset questions via scrolling menus and such. Eventually, games could have deep social interaction not only between computer characters but online characters as well. Putting a whole new spin on the term ‘avatar’, this technology could allow for console games to have a unique experience in Massively Multiplayer Online RPGs the likes of World Of Warcraft. Not only that, imagine future installments of games like Mass Effect, Star Wars, or Elder Scrolls where the open world interactions become so much more complex and expansive. Now that could draw in a lot of new gamers!
Watching this person interact with ‘Milo’ was pretty funny though. She was a 20-something year old woman talking to a pre-teen boy about basically nothing. It was creepy and interesting at the same time because just like Steven Spielberg said when he was on stage, Natal could change story telling and social interaction.
With all of this in mind, it makes the fully interactive entertainment ‘box’ a bit more feasible. Before you know it, Microsoft will throw their hand into the cable provider market and provide a box that allows you to do it all, computer software, gaming, TV, movies, internet, AND video chat in one.
So, tell me… where do you see Project Natal taking us in the near future?
Article comments
1 - Charlie
The teaching aspects are limitless. TV has cartoon characters that help children learn a new language, but imagine how much more effective this would be if the character could recognize correct pronunciation. It doesn't stop there. Flash cards where the child can shout out the answer and the character can say correct or incorrect for math, science, language, etc. Intuitive karate classes in your own home where the instructor can stop and correct form. I am excited to see all the possibilities