14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft might have dropped the Kinect motion tracking system from the core Xbox One package, but the leadership of the company believes that a number of developers will be willing to use the features of the device as long as it improves the core game experience.
Phil Spencer, one of the executives in charge of next-gen gaming, tells Polygon that, “We think Kinect adds functionality to the platform that makes games better, and developers will use that when they think it will make their game better.”
He adds, “I think it’s great because people see it as an outlet for creativity, whether it’s immersion, whether it’s voice integrated in some interesting way, whether it’s gesture.”
The only Xbox One title launched so far that included significant Kinect-only features is the Rare-developed Kinect Sports Rivals.
It was supposed to receive more content in the near future, but it is unclear whether the studio is working on it after Microsoft decided to make the motion tracking system optional for those using the Xbox One.
A standalone version of the device is set to be launched in the fall and no official price for it has been announced.
At the moment, the Xbox One costs 399 dollars or Euro, the same as the rival PlayStation 4 from Sony.