Microsoft hopes to 'Kinect'

Microsoft christening its new motion-sensing game system ‘Kinect’, on Sunday offered a sneak peek of upcoming titles it hopes will help draw a new generation of casual players into the 40 million-strong Xbox game console fold.

In a performance conceptualised by Cirque du Soleil, the company staged enactments of how games would be played. Those included a track and field tournament, a driving simulation in which passengers rock their bodies to toss the car into cartwheels, and a Star Wars game with enhanced control of a Jedi knight - which drew cheers.

Microsoft makes big push for new game audience

Microsoft did not announce game publishers for Kinect — previously dubbed Project Natal — nor divulge any other details. LucasArts releases Star Wars titles.

The world’s leading gaming hardware makers, hoping to reignite the slumping $60 billion industry by expanding it beyond hardcore games to more casual players, will unveil at the E3 Exposition in Los Angeles this week a range of futuristic gadgets.

Microsoft is expected to flesh out details of its Kinect system at the annual games convention, which along with Nintendo’s 3D-without-glasses platform is expected to generate the most buzz.

Sony Corp will show off its competing Move motion-sensor.

Summary Box: Microsoft seeks new gaming audience

Microsoft — which recently lost its mantle as world’s largest technology company to Apple — unveiled Natal at last year’s E3. Analysts estimate the three-camera device, which will be in stores by this holiday season, will range from $50 to $200.

The set-up — which allows for completely hands-free games and controlling the console with voice commands — is designed to appeal to casual players and newcomers who may not be aware of the product, rather than hardcore gamers, analysts said.

"There’s only so much headway you can make until you bring moms into the equation. There’s lots of kids and moms who want to have an interactive experience together," said Mike Delman, vice president of global marketing for Microsoft’s interactive entertainment division.

It's playtime

The rush of new technology comes just as the video game industry, which dwarfs the $10 billion domestic movie box office, needs it.