Task 20: Elements of game technology, part three: interaction design

Developers use a lot of interactive elements to make a game more compelling and interesting. They also use game mechanics; this allows the user to come up with their own ideas in executing how the player reacts to certain buttons being pressed. For example in Tekken the player has to input commands so that the AI can do moves, but it is up to the player what moves he would like to do, this works well with combos.

Seeing the success of the Wii’s motion controllers Microsoft and Sony have implemented their own take on motion controllers. The Wii has managed to outsell the other competitors in terms of sales this is due to Nintendo trying something different with the Wii. The Wii has changed the way we play games using a remote followed by the movement of the body. This has managed to gather not only young customers but also the older customers, where the older customers play titles which allow fitness training; no longer would you need to go to the gym to get your own personal trainer.

I do not think that control pads would ever seize to exist, however I do think that motion controllers would have a more positive role in the future. The control pad is limited in terms of how many buttons can be pressed but a motion controller is almost limitless not only does it have buttons to be pressed but also the gestures you make with your body. This is apparent in the new PS Vita it has got buttons on the front with a touch screen interface; it has also got a touch pad at the back. This allows the user to press buttons and have touch screen all working together at the same time. Developers know that just having buttons will not satisfy the needs of gamers any more if they wish to obtain new customers.

Sony and Microsoft have also come up with their own take on motion sensors. Sony with the Playstaion Move and Microsft with Kinect. The Move is pretty much on-par with the Wii, however it’s the Kinect that intrigues me. It allows the player to move about freely without the need of a controller. It gets rid of the burden of holding on to a controller whilst you are working out on the fitness games.

The need of a controller will always be there but given 2 or 3 years in the future its quite fascinating to see what the big companies come up with. I for one think the next gen would allow the AI to be controlled by the brain, leaving your hands free to do as they please (no dirty thoughts please). 

 

Links:

http://bokardo.com/archives/game-mechanics-for-interaction-design-an-interview-with-amy-jo-kim/

http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/LewisPulsipher/20091108/3505/Interaction_in_Games.php