Microsoft introduced the Kinect back in 2010, a motion sensing device that promised to revolutionize the games industry. With the Kinect, players could control games using their body movements, making the experience more immersive and interactive. It was a bold move for Microsoft, but one that ultimately didn't pay off.
The legacy of the Kinect is a complicated one. The Nintendo Wii proved so successful at bringing motion control "fun" to literally millions of households that Microsoft saw an opportunity to capitalize on this new trend. They believed that the Kinect would be the next big thing, but unfortunately, it fell short of expectations.
One of the main issues with the Kinect was that it required players to have a lot of space in their living rooms. It was hard to use in smaller apartments or houses, and it required a lot of calibration to work properly. This made it a less appealing option for many gamers who simply didn't have the room to use it effectively.
Another issue was that the Kinect simply didn't have enough games to support it. There were a few standout titles, like Dance Central and Kinect Sports, but overall, there just weren't enough quality games to justify the purchase of the device.
Despite these issues, the Kinect did have a small yet passionate homebrew scene. These developers were able to create some interesting projects using the technology behind the Kinect, including motion-controlled robots and interactive art installations. However, for the average consumer, the Kinect was simply not worth the investment.
In 2017, Microsoft announced that they would no longer be manufacturing the Kinect. This was seen as the final nail in the coffin for the device, which had struggled to find a foothold in the market. However, Microsoft will not be closing down the Xbox 360 Marketplace, even though text on an official Xbox support page indicates that was a possibility. This means that gamers can still access games and content for their Xbox 360, including Kinect titles.
That being said, there are still some Kinect games that are being removed from the UK Xbox 360 marketplace, including several Assassin's Creed games, Far Cry 2, and Mass Effect 2. This is likely due to licensing agreements expiring, rather than a deliberate effort to remove Kinect titles.
Despite its lack of success, the Kinect did pave the way for other motion control devices, like the PlayStation Move and the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons. It also showed that there was a demand for more immersive, interactive gaming experiences.
Looking to the future, it's unlikely that we'll see another Kinect-like device from Microsoft anytime soon. They seem to be more focused on creating innovative software and services, rather than hardware. However, the Kinect will always have a place in gaming history, as an ambitious but flawed attempt to change the way we play games.
In conclusion, the Kinect was a bold and innovative device that unfortunately fell short of expectations. While it did have a small following among homebrew developers, it simply wasn't worth the investment for the average consumer. Despite this, the Kinect did pave the way for other motion control devices and showed that there was a demand for more immersive gaming experiences. While we're unlikely to see another Kinect-like device from Microsoft anytime soon, the legacy of the Kinect will live on in gaming history.
