Microsoft are pretty pleased with themselves right now, what with 2.5 million Kinects having been sold and all. Sony, understandably, are keen to prove that they’re not playing second fiddle to Microsoft. Because buttons are better, after all. Right?
Well, the fact that Sony’s recently-announced figures actually relate to 4.1 million PlayStation Move units having been shipped—not sold—may speak volumes. Sony are keeping very tight-lipped about actual sales figures. This can pretty much only be interpreted in one way: they have been more disappointing than they were expecting. If they weren’t, why would Sony be so keen to draw attention to the number shipped, rather than the number actually sold?
Sony are probably hoping that this doesn’t turn into another PSPgo scenario. Unfortunately, though, it’s looking like a distinct possibility. Anecdotal reports of a relative lack of interest at retail coupled with a dearth of Move-compatible titles—particularly high-profile “core” titles—suggest disappointing performance for the loveable little waggle wand. Even titles which would be a perfect fit for Move—like the PS3 version of EA’s recently-released EA Sports Active 2—aren’t supporting the controller, instead bundling their own bespoke control scheme. The 360 version supports Kinect. This isn’t a good sign for Move. The fact that Kinect’s marketing has been considerably more high-profile than Sony’s efforts to promote Move may have something to do with all this, too.
This is all very negative. It’s early days for both Move and Kinect, of course, and each have their own unique benefits for the end user. There are a number of “core” Move titles in the pipeline which may show up in time to save the accessory from eternal obscurity. Similarly, the novelty of Kinect may wear off eventually—though the same thing was said about the Wii, of course. And 4.1 million units shipped is still a respectable figure, even if not all of them have sold.
It’s not all doom and gloom for Move, of course. Ubisoft’s RUSE, for example, is an excellent showcase for the accuracy of the control scheme. Similarly, the recently-released Flight Control HD on PSN works well. And the soon-to-be-released PSN title Under Siege also looks like a good use of the hardware. Will these titles—along with those due next year—be enough to prevent Move from being remembered as a costly mistake on Sony’s part, much like the PSPgo? Or is it already too late?
Have you jumped on the Move or Kinect bandwagons? Let us know your thoughts on both control schemes in the comments.
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