Microsoft is attempting to stop reviews of Kinect from surfacing before the controller is released – which many are taking as a sign Microsoft is trying to cover up a sub-standard product.
The gaming press complains about not being sent review copies:
Kinect is Microsoft’s biggest push for the Xbox gaming division to date. The Xbox division could sink or swim depending on the success of the device. However, in an unusual move the company has been hesitant to send out the device for review.
Many journalists in the gaming industry have complained about Microsoft’s hesitation to send the Kinect and any of its software offerings for review. This is actually something that has been actively talked about on game press forums.
In addition the publisher has also placed an embargo on posting any sort of review for the device prior to launch. Microsoft’s internal anti piracy investigation group has also issued a take-down notice to Destructoid, who incidentally made fun of the Kinect’s new commercials.
The fact that Microsoft is being so sensitive about any sort of criticism towards the device is a major concern. Just like how film studios won’t hold a pre-screening for movies that is expected to tank, the video game industry operates exactly the same way.
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Typically its a very bad sign when publishers do this as it means that there is something wrong and the company wants to rely on ignorance and marketing rather than letting the public find out early. I am not saying this is the case for the Kinect, but it is very concerning nevertheless.
Square Enix was recently caught trying the same thing with Final Fantasy XIV, and seeing how that turned out it is easy to see why some identify this as a worrying sign.
Well my sis bought it and I have to say it’s not that bad.
If there’s not enough light facial recognition sometimes fails.
It’s not 100% accurate, but at least it’s better than PS Move.
I can’t wait when s♥♥t hits the fan for Microsoft. When this peripheral fails and it will, they’ll lose a lot of money, fire people and Microsoft will forever go down in history for making such a fail product.
Well then let just get straight here there is no way there will be a FPS game but no review people are still piss of with the idea and how it work so let me know how it go when it come out -__-
Kinect is pretty much the EyeToy or Playstation Eye without the move controller, just not really worth it.
I also don’t really see companies investing that much into it either. They say it frees you from the controller but honestly only so many games you can play w/o a controller.
I still don’t know why they went through with this. Oh wait, yes I do. It’s because of Nintendo. But the difference is that Nintendo came in at the right moment and made a shitload of cash where as the gaming divisions of Sony and Microsoft downplayed their fear but came out with the six-axis controller, which is s♥♥t, and natal which looks boring to be honest. My opinion my change if I gave it a try but I doubt it.