Blizzard, EA and others working on Project Natal games

September 24, 9:32 AMGames ExaminerDaniel Nations

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It has only been a few months since Project Natal was unveiled at E3, but already publishers are lining up in support of the innovative new way to play video games. And more than just support. According to Microsoft, publishers that are actively working on Project Natal include Activision Blizzard, Bethesda Softworks, Capcom Co. Ltd, Disney Interactive, Electronic Arts, Konami, MTV Games, Namco Bandai, Sega, Square Enix, THQ Inc. and Ubisoft.

That's quite a list.

Project Natal is Micrsoft's answer to the Nintendo Wii. Using an RGB camera, a deth sensor and a multi-array microphone, Project Natal enables games to be played without the need of a physical controller. Instead, the console recognizes the movement of the player and translates that to the game. This type of innovative control system opens up new ways for developers to tell stories and more freedom in developing the game.

Here's what a few industry professionals think about it:

"Microsoft 'Project Natal' could fundamentally change the way players experience sports games. At EA, some of our top development teams are experimenting with these tools with the goal of delivering a completely fresh take on genres like sports and racing."

--EA Sports President Peter Moore

"I strongly feel that 'Project Natal' will expand the possibilities of gaming. It's yet another component that adds to the appeal of Xbox 360 and demonstrates to users the broad level of entertainment it provides. Personally, I too am extremely excited about 'Project Natal.' It's really going to stir up our creative spirits. I think it's going to bring new ways to play and new surprises to Xbox 360 fans and help further the development of completely original content. 'Project Natal' is definitely something people should look out for."

--Keiji Inafune, Head of Research & Development Management Group at Capcom

"Ubisoft sees enormous opportunities with 'Project Natal.' With the 3-D camera, your body can become the interface. Any barrier related to the use of pad controllers that may have existed for potential gamers is now abolished. Ubisoft is already taking advantage of this major evolution to design new types of gaming experiences and attract more people to play video games."

--Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer of Ubisoft

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