Microsoft Game Studios’ Shane Kim — the guy that said a Microsoft handheld was a matter of “when” and not “if” — believes Project Natal can earn the hardware manufacturer a blue ribbon this console generation by smashing “barriers” that frustrate the casual audience.
In an interview with OXM UK, Kim said Microsoft isn’t the winner of this generation, but Project Natal could put them over the edge. His vision is clear: Natal isn’t about responding to what Nintendo is doing; rather, it is about opening magical pathways so console-dumb Granny and company will feel the need to buy an Xbox 360. In short, Kim thinks Natal will net Microsoft more warm-bodied followers.
“Because the generation isn’t over, and we’re not winning yet,” Kim said. “Our goal is to win, always has been. We want to have hundreds of millions of customers, whether that’s on 360 or on LIVE, and that’s our vision.”
“That’s what Project Natal is about,” he continued. “Natal is not about responding to Nintendo and what they do with Wii, it goes well beyond what Nintendo and Sony are doing. This is about unlocking the potential and breaking down all the barriers that remain that prevent people who are intimidated or feel awkward with a controller in their hand — anything that prevents them from jumping in and having a great time with Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE.
“That’s what it’s about. It’s about the 60% of households around the world, more in some regions, that don’t own a games console today. We only have so much to offer, so much value to offer: how do we prevent ourselves getting in the way? That’s what Project Natal really is,” said Kim.
Kim’s thoughts aren’t wild, but there is a small problem: people who can’t figure out dual-analog sticks already have a Wii, and it doesn’t seem like they take issue with the remote.
[via VG247]
