Microsoft to hog E3 spotlight with two media showcases

by Stevie Smith - Mar 26 2010, 06:35

Call it expo greed, call it niche partitioning, or call it a lack of conviction in an unproven product, but Microsoft will be holding two separate media events during this year’s E3 Expo in Los Angeles – one for its Natal motion control system, and one for its general Xbox 360 content.

News of the twin presentations was offered up yesterday in a tweet from videogame journalist and Spike TV host Geoff Keighley, who was keen to share his thoughts regarding the lack of an imposed age restriction for those attending the Natal experience.

“Xbox just sent out a save the date for_TWO_E3 press conferences,” wrote Keighley in his Twitter post. “Natal briefing is for “all ages,” the 360 briefing is for “18+.” Guess that means no M-rated Natal games…”

For those scheduled to attend E3 Expo 2010, which officially opens its doors on June 15, the Natal media presentation will take place on the evening of Sunday, June 13, while Microsoft’s general Xbox 360 coverage will unfold on the morning of Monday, June 14.  

The Natal sensor interface, which is expected hit retail in time for Christmas, is being lauded as Microsoft’s groundbreaking take on motion control gameplay – a control aspect made massively popular through the Nintendo Wii and its wealth of casual market videogames.

However, unlike rival motion controllers such as Nintendo’s Wii Remote and Nunchuk or Sony’s upcoming PlayStation Move and sub-controller, Natal scans and tracks players in 3D and no physical controllers are required in order to enjoy interaction.

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