August 27, 2010August 27, 2010

PlayStation Move: New Tech Demo Video Tour

Anton Mikhailov has become a rockstar of sorts, headlining a global tour with his favorite instrument — PlayStation Move. Armed with a collection of new tech demos, Mikhailov and our Research & Development group have spent the year demonstrating the technology and precision behind PlayStation Move to developers and the larger gaming community.

With camera and PlayStation Move controllers in hand, Anton and I locked ourselves in a room and captured a new peek at what you can expect to see from titles on the PlayStation Move. You may have seen PlayStation Move tech demo videos before — including the PlayStation.Blog’s three-part tech demo tour from E3 2009. But you’ve never seen them like this!

You’ll notice that Anton was comfortably sitting on a couch when using the PlayStation Move controllers and the PlayStation Eye never reacted negatively to its reflection from our wall of monitors. These aren’t gesture triggering animations, folks, but true 1:1 gameplay.

With Killzone 3, R.U.S.E, Dead Space: Extraction, Tumble, and The Fight: Lights Out already using some of the tools shown in these tech demos, developers — and gamers — will have plenty of high-tech new toys to play with.

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235 Comments

6 Author Replies

kungfuian
August 27, 2010 at 6:06 pm PDT

Would like to see the looking into a vitrual window head tracking thing added to all games. U should be able to just turn it on in any game for a depth 3d effect. This significantly adds to something like killzone’s cover/peek system or any other cover system for that matter. Plus the effect would be the next best thing to 3d without glasses or a new tv. And added to 3d with a 3d tv n glasses would be like full a fully functioning 3d hologram to the user.

Why is this not in every game???????
strightjoebob
August 27, 2010 at 6:07 pm PDT

How about showing us a demo using a six-axis controller. You tell us it will work just as good. Can we see this?
kenny-1995
August 27, 2010 at 6:15 pm PDT

This Is Why I love Sony, They Talk With Customers And Hear What we want and Think.
Question, Will there be any more bundles exept for the one with demo disks for the uk?
PuppetShoJustice
August 27, 2010 at 6:18 pm PDT

The Move event in DC didn’t at all convince me that the Move can do anything that can’t be done just as well with a standard dualshock controller. Even the get-away-from-the-mafia-on-random-crap game could have been just as easily handled (probably would control better actually) with the use of a normal controller.

While the Move is impressive from a technical standpoint, I’m not at all sold on the technology. In fact I dare say I oppose it. I think Sony could do better instead of just trying to jam this silliness onto the market. But to each their own.
Zmathue
August 27, 2010 at 6:19 pm PDT

I hope games will start using the face tracking to control the camera soon. It would be great for tumble.
PuppetShoJustice
August 27, 2010 at 6:23 pm PDT

The face-tracking feature super failed the other day because my buddy was wearing a hat. Just thought that was kind of interesting.
kdiep
August 27, 2010 at 6:33 pm PDT

Since my comment is still awaiting moderation and might not be read I’d post my comment again (the most important part anyway).

“WHAT! Jet Li visited you guys? How long ago was this and what did he do there? Please tell us a little bit more? I loved Rise To Honor despite its flaws hehe.”
nomi_sns
August 27, 2010 at 6:57 pm PDT

You guys have started nice Move campaign.I like when you showed him sitting on a sofa which is the one of the arguable things about kinect.I will definitely buy this because it is invented by Sony R&D not by any small company.
Thanks Richard for inventing Move
GreyLynx
August 27, 2010 at 6:57 pm PDT

Anton I’m sorry man but I’m making “Don’t troll me bro” with your face/icon into a meme, it was just too classic seeing you school someone that hard
PullusPardusUS
August 27, 2010 at 7:06 pm PDT

i heard the music in the background before, but i can’t seem to remember where…..=s
- Rey Gutierrez
  August 27, 2010 at 7:09 pm PDT
  
  The original LittleBigPlanet
GreyLynx
August 27, 2010 at 7:22 pm PDT

Anton or anyone at R&D, you don’t have to tell me what exactly it is(a hint would be nice), but are you guys on the R&D team already thinking of what the next step beyond the Move might be?

I know In 2001, 2 years before even the Eyetoy’s release Doctor Richard Marks had already started prototyping the mutli-colored foam weapons that had become what the move is today. Knowing Sony ain’t one to show all latest and greatest at once, you guys got to have some barely functional item you’ve been working on, that will go beyond what the move is capable of right now but is very expensive,clunky and isn’t anywhere near presentable.
- Anton Mikhailov
  August 28, 2010 at 9:49 pm PDT
  
  Always :)
GreyLynx
August 27, 2010 at 7:26 pm PDT

oh and can it please look like something out of a certain 2002 sci-fi Movie staring Tom Cruise that looks very awesome and would be cool to be used in a game environment.
sehmehnov
August 27, 2010 at 7:33 pm PDT

Awesome demonstration, I am very impressed with how the tracking is very precise, definitely picking this up!

Your homie,
Mike
danboly
August 27, 2010 at 7:56 pm PDT

Is the glowing ball solely for tracking purposes or will it change during gameplay? I have a philips ambx connected to my pc and every time I shoot a gun on FPS the lights change to a quick spark- very immersive!
- Anton Mikhailov
  August 28, 2010 at 9:50 pm PDT
  
  The game can definitely use it for effects. Sorcery uses it for different spells and potions, other games use it to indicate your gun is overheating etc. Tons of possibilities.
Jvolel
August 27, 2010 at 8:00 pm PDT

Is the controller going to work with the web browser? Like can we use it to controller the mouse cursor?
Zmathue
August 27, 2010 at 8:07 pm PDT

@Jvolel The move does work in the browser, but it is like you pressed the arrows on a D-Pad, it just jumps between links. You should go yell at the XMB developers.
MadMeat001
August 27, 2010 at 8:34 pm PDT

Fireball and the demon head was my favorite tech demo, hey in case your wondering i think move can do great with Monkey Island 2 Lechuck’s revange!
SarshelYam
August 27, 2010 at 8:37 pm PDT

Anton…man, I have to say it. I love each and every time I see a new tech demo with you in it. There’s a level of passion in your presentations that other companies simply miss.

I’m also going to have to sound like a Myna here and put in my request for these Tech Demo’s as downloadable content. I understand your response above but, couldn’t you simply attach a disclaimer to the effect of:

“This code is produce for internal use only and was never intended for mass distribution. Due to the un-finalized nature of these demos, you may experience graphical issues and/or system response errors as a result…” yada-yada. We get it…we just love them and they’re so fantastic to watch and share.
StealthieOne
August 27, 2010 at 8:37 pm PDT

I noticed at the DC MOVE event that you had all the people that attended sign their PSN name, does that mean we can expect something like a beta entry, free game, or anything? just wondered why the psn was asked for?
MadMeat001
August 27, 2010 at 8:37 pm PDT

Rag Doll Kung Fu fist of Plastic would be sick with Move!
hardknock55
August 27, 2010 at 8:39 pm PDT

im getting the move for a fact and i love it already but i just wish you guys would have an navigation controller/move bundle at launch or soon
plaztiksyke
August 27, 2010 at 8:50 pm PDT

So awesome to see questions answered in detail!

One more: I was really impressed with Dance Central. Can the PS Eye (along with your libraries) do semi-detailed leg tracking if a single Move is being held in one hand to help orient things? By semi-detailed, I mean detecting one leg in front of the other, hip movement, picking one foot off the ground, and jumping.

If not, will there be some option to put a sort of colored wrist strap at knee-level to help the camera?

Thanks again for answering all the questions!
mike_93hn
August 27, 2010 at 9:38 pm PDT

Thank you for answering questions Anton.

1. Why there isn’t a bundle that includes 2 Move Controllers? because If I want full experience I need 2 Move controllers, besides in every vid I see of you showing tech demos you’re always using 2 Move controllers.

2. Perhaps you should release some tech demos in the Store I would definetely pay for them!!..not more then $5 lol

3. The material of the move controller is it durable? For example my controllers fell would the ”bulb” brake or something because im paying $50 for one controller I expect quality.
- Anton Mikhailov
  August 28, 2010 at 9:51 pm PDT
  
  1. I’m not really the guy to ask about bundles…
  
  2. Not my domain either :\
  
  3. Yep. Its made out of the same stuff baby pacifiers are, so its quite resilient!
Techni
August 27, 2010 at 9:40 pm PDT

Why isnt there bundles for people who own the PSeye already?

I for one would like a Move controller, NavCon and the PiStol3
tacm123
August 27, 2010 at 10:54 pm PDT

even though i know this isnt going to get answered due to the fact that it might hold off people from buying the move, but how long from now will the move be selling for a little cheaper, because i really want it but with all the new great games coming out this and next year there isnt gnna be enough money in my pocket for it… if the move controller sold for 39.99 then id be open to buying it with the nav controller sellin at 19.99 and the move bundle at 79.99… unless this becomes a massive seller ill wait for the price drop… sorry sony even though i wanna play heavy rain move style thou:)
angelspawn77
August 27, 2010 at 11:29 pm PDT

Move impresses the hell outta me the more tech demos I see, the biggest amazement I got from this vid was the pottery, the face sculpting, and the page organization, where Anton dragged different pictures and pages. I REALLY hope developers take advantage of this impressive technology,this thing has looked SOOOO much more impressive than the competition. I am severely swayed into getting one now and this is coming from a guy who doesnt like motion controls very much.
Wyrmchaser
August 27, 2010 at 11:38 pm PDT

Thank you for a good demo Anton!

I’m a little bit concerned with reported lag. Although most of your demoing looked rather instantaneous in response, some did not. Is this something you have to learn to compensate for as a player?
- Anton Mikhailov
  August 28, 2010 at 9:55 pm PDT
  
  Its hard to tell from these videos since the TV’s aren’t all hooked up directly. Most of the lag in games nowdays is from the TV. The Move has a 22ms delay, while most HDTV’s are 60-130ms.
  
  Most people we try it with feel no delay, so if you do something may be up. Make sure to set your TV to “Game Mode” if it has it! That will reduce the lag.
dragon_frost
August 27, 2010 at 11:47 pm PDT

Dear Anton Mikhailov & Rey Gutierrez please try to get sony to get blizzard entertainment to bring over some of their great games to playstation 3 pleae & thank you?
Destiny89
August 27, 2010 at 11:58 pm PDT

Great, will be getting one for sure
Totallysane
August 28, 2010 at 12:18 am PDT

idk if this is rumor or true, but is it? that you can use the move controller as well as the dualshock 3 for the navigation? or do i have to purchase the navi right away???
Murmur
August 28, 2010 at 12:49 am PDT

“idk if this is rumor or true, but is it? that you can use the move controller as well as the dualshock 3 for the navigation? or do i have to purchase the navi right away???”

You can use Move controller (one with light bulb) and existing DS3 controller for the navigation. That new Navigation controller is purely optional, may suit better if play standing.
JMAL101
August 28, 2010 at 12:53 am PDT

is the game compatible with 3d tv
candycabngfl
August 28, 2010 at 1:54 am PDT

Kinda neat but, all I see when I look at the is the same gimmick that Nintendo pumped out and everyone is playing catchup to cash in. Sure its more advanced etc but at the end of the day how much different can it really be ?

Its probably fun for a few minutes then it will get repetitive and more work than its worth. I will give it a try but I play games to relax vs standing or hopping around the room like I’m playing DDR. I don’t think this fun in any way.

For now I will stick with my Optoma HD72 @ 100 inches for immersion : )
Pelt_Hunter
August 28, 2010 at 3:21 am PDT

Gimmee Gimmee the Move!!
VoidKiller
August 28, 2010 at 7:35 am PDT

There we have that augmented reality is the future, and this guys as usual are giving us fun with a lot of work behind, and I want to have 2 of them, hopefully there is an open SDK to develop in, this could be the thing I’d buy many of them for development, thanks a lot and really congratulations for this
AnthonyTonyMagic
August 28, 2010 at 8:26 am PDT

What’s up Anton

A couple of questions for you, if you happen to read down this far:

1: We’ve all seen the dynamic domino snake demo, as well as the innovative climbing chameleon demo, but rumour has it that you also had an octopus demo that had to be scrapped due to the PS3’s bluetooth not accepting one of the tentacles… confirm or deny

2: How does the Eye react if I use a video projector for my home gaming setup? I’m worried that the bright light from the back of the room might mess up the marker tracking. Would just making sure that the Eye isn’t in the beam be enough?

3: The hilt… the glow… The words “light sabers”, “blaster pistols” and “force powers” must have jumped into someone’s head at Sony, right?

4: Has anyone noticed that with the amount of 3D data you’re getting from the Move setup, and huge full HD TVs in our homes, that you guys seriously have the the potential to make the most amazing web browser ever seen. Someone in Software actually does realise this, right? Because what you’re showing here could trump anything on PC or even the iPad.

5: What Move game are you personally looking forward to the most?
AnthonyTonyMagic
August 28, 2010 at 8:31 am PDT

Sorry, a couple more questions that I forgot to add :D

6: How many times did R&D drop the Move controller before you decided to make the ball squishy?

7: When the PS4 comes out, would you like to see Move (or Move 2) shipped as a standard in-box controller alongside DualShock from launch?

8: Do you ever get bored answering the same questions?
- Anton Mikhailov
  August 28, 2010 at 10:04 pm PDT
  
  1. Deny. Scrapped due to lack of hands.
  2. Yeah should be. Eric Larsen on our team has that setup and has no issue. Make sure the camera isn’t blinded and that its set up facing away from the screen, not turned at some funky angle. Otherwise it might feel strange.
  3. Someone’s I’m sure…
  4. There is a lot of academic research in that area even outside of our team, actually, with tools like Move.
  5. I’m not supposed to play favorites :D My advice is to try out everything on the demo disk, even if you think you won’t like it. Everyone seems to have a different “best game” which is awesome.
  6. Lots. And the credit goes to the hardware guys for making that change!
  7. Too early to talk.
  8. Not really, but maybe after this many :)
Green-Elf
August 28, 2010 at 9:31 am PDT

I like that you guys demo Move in what looks like a real living room. Seeing the type of environment that you always seem to do the Demos in I do have to wonder if this will have similar issues that Eyetoy did? My couch/walls are not all white. I have a window behind my couch. My clothes will not always contrast with the background.

With this setup it made Eyetoy almost unusable. The Orbs on the controller will make this much better for most of the experience, but do do wonder if head tracking will suffer like the original Eyetoy.

Have you guys seen any issues like this?
- Anton Mikhailov
  August 28, 2010 at 10:05 pm PDT
  
  The Move doesn’t care much about contrast, like you mentioned. Head tracking will need decent lighting, of course, but its much much improved since the EyeToy days. PSEye is a much better camera in low light and tracks much faster.
SSJNeBiRoS
August 28, 2010 at 9:32 am PDT

I can not wait to try MAG or Ruse with Move next month, but seeing that Anton is here I would like to ask some questions:

1. Could you make some kind of basic code and pass it to the Thirds Partys to add the Move as optional control in all their games without many problems, something like a “copy & paste”, I know it’s not that simple, but I guess you understand what I mean.

That way we could see games like Crysis 2, CODs, Brink, Rage, Portal 2, etc, basically any FPS on the market with MAG controls for example, not only the Sony exclusives, I’m sure that would raise a lot of sales for the PS3 version and for Move. The same goes for third-person games. I guess that can actually be quite difficult, but in my opinion it would be very profitable.

2. Could you tell us some of those things that you have seen that blown you away, you, the creator of the chameleon’s demo? XD

Oh and before I forguet, have you seen this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-yR5ozxw4E

It has some awesome ideas.
CrapForce
August 28, 2010 at 9:36 am PDT

Anton nice demo! Just one Question can u show more FPS demos and its potential with move? :D
- Anton Mikhailov
  August 28, 2010 at 10:06 pm PDT
  
  Workin on it.
inveni0
August 28, 2010 at 10:21 am PDT

@Anton

The Move is looking really strong, man. Great work! There has been a lot of “gamers” that were shunning Move after E3 ’09, but they’ve really changed their minds this year with the great showings at GDC and E3. I think that the technology you’ve helped create has really given people a reason to be excited about Motion Control.

How does it feel to have worked on something that has the potential to be so industry changing with respect to the hardcore audience? And how does it feel to be the guy that most people associate with something so new and exciting? You’re like a superstar now!
MagicMan080
August 28, 2010 at 10:27 am PDT

fat people will lose weight :)
fourfour44
August 28, 2010 at 11:15 am PDT

On the one hand I can understand why Sony didn’t go overboard with the bundles. But for those of us who already have a Playstation Eye camera there’s only a small difference in buying the Move itself and Sports Champions, we might as well just spend the extra $10 to get a spare camera.

But my question is mostly about camera placement. My Wii sensor bar is already sitting on the TV stand centered in front of the TV, and my PS Eye camera is on the next shelf down next to the DVR box, but because of how easy it is to adjust the viewing angle of the camera it still gets a good view of the room. Does the camera have a preferred position for where to set it up and is there anything in the settings that give you any indication of whether you have the camera placed in a good position or should change it?

The main reason I keep the camera one shelf down and not right by the TV is because I find the blue (and red) light to be distracting. I wouldn’t mind having the camera right in front of the TV if there was a way to turn the light off (which I find unnecessary), possible for a firmware update maybe?
- Anton Mikhailov
  August 28, 2010 at 10:08 pm PDT
  
  The camera should be placed above or below the TV, centered. Other angles would feel strange, especially for augmented reality games. You really want to be facing the camera.
  
  Sorry about the LED, I’ll bring it up with the right people…til then some black tape may be in order ;)
zekececil14
August 28, 2010 at 11:20 am PDT

@132
If you buy the bundle then you can trade in your old eye and end up spending less than buying seperatly. Duh
Insomnia999
August 28, 2010 at 11:21 am PDT

Anton,

Saw you at the Boston meet-up!

All of the PS3 controllers have the Six-Axis motion sensing, so why not put that in the Nav controller? Just being able to do subtle motions would be great. I understand that play testing and costs determined otherwise, but was Six-Axis tested? I think hardcore games for Move with dual motion sensing would be awesome.

Also, at 5:05 you guys should have demonstrated head tracking and the 3D experience that offers!

Finally, Anton, do you think the viewing angle on the camera is a problem? It seems like having multiple people in front of the TV will be a problem. Unless you are far away and have a big TV, more than 2 people seems like it will be a tight fit.
- Anton Mikhailov
  August 28, 2010 at 10:12 pm PDT
  
  Heya!
  
  Its a long topic, but yeah we tried it with everyone. I think you wont miss it, to be honest.
  
  In regards to the field of view, you get about a 10ft wide area standing 8ft from the camera, so its enough space for two people like you said. More is ok but in less “intense games” where you’d be sitting on the couch or something. To be honest, active motion games for 2+ people where you’re all standing and jumping is pretty chaotic and I doubt anyone has the space (or the tolerant neighbors) for that…
  
  Cya around!
fourfour44
August 28, 2010 at 11:32 am PDT

@ 133
Because not everyone is in the mindset of selling used items
SSJNeBiRoS
August 28, 2010 at 11:41 am PDT

I can not wait to try MAG or Ruse with Move next month, but seeing that Anton is here I would like to ask some questions:

1. Could you make some kind of basic code and pass it to the Thirds Partys to add the Move as optional control in all their games without many problems, something like a “copy & paste”, I know it’s not that simple, but I guess you understand what I mean.

That way we could see games like Crysis 2, CODs, Brink, Rage, Portal 2, etc, basically any FPS on the market with MAG controls for example, not only the Sony exclusives, I’m sure that would raise a lot of sales for the PS3 version and for Move. The same goes for third-person games. I guess that can actually be quite difficult, but in my opinion it would be very profitable.

2. Could you tell us some of those things that you have seen that blown you away, you, the creator of the chameleon’s demo? XD
hardknock55
August 28, 2010 at 11:43 am PDT

I agree with techni i already own a ps eye and whats wierd is they stopped selling ps eye and i bought one right when they ran out at target and then the ps move was announced and i dont need 2 ps eyes, there should be a ps move bundle without the ps eye with ps move/sports champions/navigation controller
Badboy10333
August 28, 2010 at 12:09 pm PDT

I like the new Playstation Blog intro type thing and design when names of people or info shown.
fourfour44
August 28, 2010 at 12:15 pm PDT

@136
I’m in the same situation and agree with you. But I can also see the marketing perspective and consumer confusion that would result from selling the move controller and a game without the camera