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Source: ONE News -
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This time next week, I'll be getting my geek on at the E3 expo in Los Angeles.
E3 - or the Electronic Entertainment Expo - is where gaming companies reveal their latest consoles, games, controllers and other top secret gadgets.
It's where Xbox is set to launch Project Natal and Sony will unveil its new 3D console and motion sensor remote.
You don't need to be a hardcore gamer - or even a moderate gamer - to find this exciting.
Gone are the days when gaming was the exclusive preserve of fidgety fingered teens.
Of course, they still play a role in the market - and E3 is sure to have plenty of high-tech goodies on show for them.
But the gaming industry is moving in a new, inclusive direction. It's all about entertaining the whole family - from the littlest kiddies to your Nan.
Nintendo Wii began the revolution - its simple motion sensor remote bid farewell to tricky button combinations and introduced natural instincts to gaming.
If you want to hit a ball, you swing to hit a ball.
Xbox and Playstation - the titans of video gaming - are about to up that ante with their new developments.
Xbox's Project Natal is a remote-free unit, which uses voice commands and movement to control game play.
The add-on unit will work with the standard Xbox 360 and will capture users movements to control their on-screen avatar.
You kick in your lounge - your avatar kicks on screen. No buttons necessary.
Playstation is going down an alternate route - introducing motion sensor controllers - called Move remotes.
Similar to the Wii controllers, Playstation Move tracks the speed and direction of your movements to control your onscreen character.
Various games have been developed to make the most of the new technology - targeting all the family.
Simple drawing games and bop 'em games will be fun for the kids, while sports challenges - including archery, gladiator fighting and ping pong - will entertain older users.
I was given an exclusive first look at (and play with) the remotes this week and definitely see the appeal. They take a few minutes to get used to but the fun is instant.
I'm not a total technophobe but my biggest frustration with conventional gaming was the controls. Sure, I could work out how to hit, jump and kick. But I could never work out the exact combination or secret button sequence to deliver the final death knell on opponents.
My modus operandi for Tekken was to furiously punch the keys with my fore and middle finger, hoping I'd somehow strike the magic combination.
I rarely did. And when the frustration of losing became too much, I turned my back on gaming for good.
Singstar and Buzz reinvigorated my interest (they're just karaoke and pub quiz without the creepy drunks in the corner) but as any gamer will tell you - they don't really count.
But Project Natal and Move are set to change that. For the first time, in a long time, I'm excited about the prospect of video gaming.
I also like the fact the companies aren't trying to make people buy new consoles to use the new features. Instead of reeling out more expensive hardware, they have made their new developments compatible with their current consoles.
And that's pretty cool.
It's also just the beginning. E3 is sure to have all manner of cool gizmos and gadgets on show - and I plan to try them all.
Read more of Joanna Hunkin's articles .
