Molyneux questions sensors

By Ellie Gibson Published 23 August, 2006

Molyneux questions sensors.

Speaking at the Leipzig GCDC, Lionhead's Peter Molyneux has warned that motion-sensing controllers such as the Wii remote could leave gamers exhausted unless developers think creatively.

Molyneux's speech, titled 'Combat - Time to Evolve?', focused on the problems with traditional combat games, and suggestions for how to improve them - such as getting rid of hit points, allowing for one-hit kills, and letting characters use items in the environment around them.

When asked by an audience member how he thought these ideas might work with the Wii remote, Molyneux replied: "If you wanted to make a big difference, where's the best place to make that difference? I think the controller is definitely it. There's no doubt in my mind that controllers are changing, and they're changing really fast."

However, Molyneux continued, "I've realised I'm an incredibly lazy person when I play games, and actually slouching back on the sofa, playing on my beer belly, is my most comfortable position. When I have to get up, it's painful. I make noises and start grunting."

When Molyneux first realised that players might be able to swing a motion-sensing controller just like they would a sword, he thought the concept was "brilliant! But then I realised, when I looked at myself in the mirror, I actually looked really stupid.

"And if I do that," Molyneux continued, waving an imaginary sword in a much less expansive way, "Even with nothing in my hand, I get tired very, very quickly."

"It became a real problem. I think motion-sensitivity is very, very useful, but I think the obvious way of doing it - unless you're dealing with a 15 to 20 minute experience at most of actually being hugely physical - is not where the opportunity lies here," Molyneux continued.

"I think it's a more creative medium. It's not turning a controller into a sword... You cannot do it for 20 hours."

Molyneux went on to recount how "one of the hardware manufacturers" approached Lionhead during the development of Black & White with a glove-shaped peripheral that could sense the movement of the users' fingers.

Lionhead decided to see how it worked with the game, and one tester was giving the task of trying it out for a month. According to Molyneux, the tester became "greyer and more pale" with every day that went by.

"It was like some sort of Japanese torture that we'd put him through, and it took three months after that to actually get his hand back to normal use," Molyneux added.

But that doesn't mean he sees no place for motion-sensing technology in gaming - simply that he believes developers must think creatively when working out "How we are going to change games - it's not the obvious solution, it's clearly more subtle.

"I think the DS proves that. What I've found really fascinating is not using [the DS stylus] to scribble with, but using it in a very clever, innovational way," Molyneux concluded.

Picture of Ellie.

About Ellie Gibson

Since joining Eurogamer in the mid 2000s, Ellie has written about subjects as diverse as the fall of Gizmondo, the rise of Hollyoaks actresses in Red Alert games and the noise a bear makes under NSFW circumstances.

Read more articles from Ellie by visiting the Ellie Gibson archive page.

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Comments (67) Latest comment 6 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • KillahSouljah #1 6 years ago

    PLAYSTATION 3

    FUTURE PROOF NEXT-GEN SYSTEM
    PLAYSTATION 3
    - Blu-ray Disc Player (built-in)
    - 60GB HDD (built-in)
    - HDMI connector (built-in)
    - Wi-Fi enabled (built-in)
    - Wireless Analog Gyroscope Controller (included)

    LAST-GEN CATCHING UP TO BE A NEXT-GEN SYSTEM
    XBOX 360
    - HD-DVD Player (add-on)
    - 40GB HDD (add-on)
    - HDMI connector (add-on)
    - Wi-Fi Network Adaptor (add-on)
    - Wireless Gyroscope Controller (extra)

  • Jesus: Action Figure #2 6 years ago

    Oh dear KS, Oh dear...

  • Blerk #3 6 years ago

    Oh, do shut up.

  • Eighthours #4 6 years ago

    That's the second comments thread you've put that in, you idiotic fanboy twat.

  • LOLLERS #5 6 years ago

    shut your noise hole

  • Dexter #6 6 years ago

    Laziest troll evar.

  • nick303 #7 6 years ago

    Yeah, no homework what so ever. Everybody knows the 360 HDD is 20GB, not 40GB ;)
    Edited by 1 at 23/08/06 @ 15:11

  • Xephon70 #8 6 years ago

    Hmmm. If Sony were offering all of those add-ons wouldn't the very same people crying "fanboy" be calling them rip off merchants, for charging for extras? But it's ok, big ole cuddly Microsoft are doing it, so that's alright then.

    They're as bad as each other, they all want the money from your pocket. Sony did it with the PlayStation 2 (memory cards, multitaps, etc), and MS have learnt the lesson...build nothing in when you can charge extra for it!
    Edited by 1 at 23/08/06 @ 15:13

  • smelly #9 6 years ago

    Erm.. IF yer gonna troll at least get your facts right.

    For example:
    The lower priced ps3 doesnt even HAVE wifi, even as an addon :-)
    Edited by 1 at 23/08/06 @ 15:13

  • Jesus: Action Figure #10 6 years ago

    Anyway, back on track, when does the 360 home Dev Kit thingy become available?

  • Eighthours #11 6 years ago

    Hmmm. If Sony were offering all of those add-ons wouldn't the very same people crying "fanboy" be calling them rip off merchants, for charging for extras? But it's ok, big ole cuddly Microsoft are doing it, so that's alright then.

    Another one. Oh great.

  • Xephon70 #12 6 years ago

    Another one my arse. The last time I was a fanboy, SEGA broke my heart. So I've all the consoles, it makes life a little less fanboyish, so don't be jumping to conclusions.
    Edited by 1 at 23/08/06 @ 15:17

  • Netfreak #13 6 years ago


    PLAYSTATION 3

    FUTURE PROOF NEXT-GEN SYSTEM
    PLAYSTATION 3
    - Blu-ray Disc Player (built-in)
    - 60GB HDD (built-in)
    - HDMI connector (built-in)
    - Wi-Fi enabled (built-in)
    - Wireless Analog Gyroscope Controller (included)

    LAST-GEN CATCHING UP TO BE A NEXT-GEN SYSTEM
    XBOX 360
    - HD-DVD Player (add-on)
    - 40GB HDD (add-on)
    - HDMI connector (add-on)
    - Wi-Fi Network Adaptor (add-on)
    - Wireless Gyroscope Controller (extra)


    dumbest.post.ever

  • KillahSouljah #14 6 years ago

    mwahahaha dont cry xbox fangirls, its just words.

  • sheepsteak #15 6 years ago

    FUTURE PROOF NEXT-GEN SYSTEM
    PLAYSTATION 3
    - Blu-ray Disc Player (built-in)
    - 60GB HDD (built-in)
    - HDMI connector (built-in)
    - Wi-Fi enabled (built-in)
    - Wireless Analog Gyroscope Controller (included)
    + REAL-TIME WEAPON CHANGE
    + HISTORICAL JAPANESE CRABS THAT CAN BE TURNED OVER FOR MASSIVE DAMAGE
    + RIIIIIIIDDDDDGEEEEEE RAAAAAACCCCCCEEEEERRRRRRRR

    ONLY $599!!!!!!!!11111ONEONEONE

    This fanboy stuff is pretty easy...

  • KillahSouljah #16 6 years ago

    you all know its true, you just cant accept it

    FUTURE PROOF NEXT-GEN SYSTEM
    PLAYSTATION 3
    - Blu-ray Disc Player (built-in)
    - 60GB HDD (built-in)
    - HDMI connector (built-in)
    - Wi-Fi enabled (built-in)
    - Wireless Analog Gyroscope Controller (included)
    = £425

    LAST-GEN CATCHING UP TO BE A NEXT-GEN SYSTEM
    XBOX 360
    = £300 +
    - HD-DVD Player (add-on)
    - 40GB HDD (add-on)
    - HDMI connector (add-on)
    - Wi-Fi Network Adaptor (add-on)
    - Wireless Gyroscope Controller (extra)
    = way over £425

    Whos getting value for money?...

  • SentientNr6 #17 6 years ago

    Thank God for the ignore button

  • The_Programmer #18 6 years ago

    Well KS. At least us Xbox360 owners can play games on our console now while you will just have to put up with playing with yourself for a few months.

  • Netfreak #19 6 years ago

    FUTURE PROOF NEXT-GEN SYSTEM
    PLAYSTATION 3

    - Blu-ray Disc Player (built-in) - destine to be a failed format. UMD anyone?
    - 60GB HDD (built-in) - too little.
    - HDMI connector (built-in) - bullshit. Nobody use that.
    - Wi-Fi enabled (built-in) - nobody cares, and cable beats Wifi
    - Wireless Analog Gyroscope Controller (included) - MS had this controller 6 years ago.

    = £425 - expen$ive and not worth it.

  • sheepsteak #20 6 years ago

    Yes, I can play Oblivion with my Wireless Gyroscope Controller I paid extra for. Lovin' it.

  • KillahSouljah #21 6 years ago

    hahaha how can all you call me a fanboy when this site is crawling with Xbox Fangirls.

    The pot calls the kettle black...

    oh by the way good Microsoft Conference. what a joke.

    Why copy the EyeToy.

  • Kikimaru #22 6 years ago

    Seriously though -- £50 (or whatever the € equivalent is) for the *ADAPTOR*??
    FFS, this should have been a £15 MAX USB dongle!

    But the d-pad on the 360 pad sucks for fighters anyway, so I don't care.

  • smelly #23 6 years ago

    I've ignored him, he's not still going is he?

    OKAY : KS:

    360
    - Pro Evo (Available)
    - Fifa (Availble)

    PS3
    - No wifi on cheap one, so it's extra
    - and it doesnt have fifa/pro evo either.

    So ya boo sucks.

    PS : dont bother replying to me, as i've already ignored you so wont be able to see reply.

  • KillahSouljah #24 6 years ago

    Freak said: "- Blu-ray Disc Player (built-in) - destine to be a failed format. UMD anyone? "

    I say: 'XBOX 360 - destune to fail, XBOX anyone.'

    To honest 360 is going against PlayStation 2 not PLAYSTATION 3.

    Once PLAYSTATION 3's released thats when everyone's going to see next-gen games and performance.

    No one in England knows or even want a 360 apart from the spotty geeks, we're all waiting for PLAYSTATION 3.

  • Xerx3s #25 6 years ago

    FFS ppl! Stop quoting such tossers! It makes an ignore list pointless.

  • Netfreak #26 6 years ago


    hahaha how can all you call me a fanboy when this site is crawling with Xbox Fangirls.


    Because you're the resident idiot.


    The pot calls the kettle black...


    You sure are right describing about yourself.


    oh by the way good Microsoft Conference.


    Was good right? Yeah we know you paid attention.


    Why copy the EyeToy.


    EyeToy copied MS. Don't believe? Look at PS3 "tilt" copying MS tilt sidewinder.

  • KillahSouljah #27 6 years ago

    smelly bum said:

    I've ignored him, he's not still going is he?

    OKAY : KS:

    360
    - Pro Evo (Available)
    - Fifa (Availble)

    PS3
    - No wifi on cheap one, so it's extra
    - and it doesnt have fifa/pro evo either.

    So ya boo sucks.

    PS : dont bother replying to me, as i've already ignored you so wont be able to see reply.

    I say:

    I've ignored him, he's not still going is he?

    OKAY : Smelly Fanny:

    360
    - No Wifi on cheap 360
    - No Wifi on dear 360

    PS3
    - We're getting all without no stupid add-ons.
    - Oh yeh Metal Gear Solid 4

    Smelly Bum sucks.

    Money Hungry Mircrosoft,.

  • JonFE #28 6 years ago

    Isn't the 49.99 the price tag for the XBox Live Vision (the camera) and not the wireless kit? Otherwise why mentioned along the 89.99 euro pricetag (the one with a 12 month Gold pack)?

  • KillahSouljah #29 6 years ago

    Who the hell even heard or used the crappy Sidewinder.


    So you amit Microsoft is copying the Mighty Sony.

  • askew #30 6 years ago

    What's the quality of the MS headset like? Might just replace my Sennheisers if the word on the street's good enough...

  • sheepsteak #31 6 years ago

    I think the Xbox Live Vision comes with a free game too for €49.99

  • JonFE #32 6 years ago

    Thanks sheepsteak; it's a bit confusing on the live feed. 49.99 euro for the wireless kit sound a bit steep though.

  • sheepsteak #33 6 years ago

    Gameplay have it up for pre-order.

  • Dexter #34 6 years ago

    Is KillahSouljah a new sock or a regular comments troll? I should visit the article comments more often! :D

  • sheepsteak #35 6 years ago

    Not sure but it's been fun.

  • Netfreak #36 6 years ago


    Is KillahSouljah a new sock or a regular comments troll?


    He was also the resident idiot at playstation.com forums.

  • Zero Beat #37 6 years ago

    50Euros for the receiver must be wrong. Gamespot have it down for $20 which is less than 16Euros.

  • holloguts #38 6 years ago

    The PS3 will be a decent console (struggling - purely because of price, but decent).

    But this ignored sidewinder that no-one supposedly bothered with may haunt Sony. I can't see how Sony can create a similar pad without breaching some patent. I know Microsoft has not commented much on it, but that's probably because Sony have not yet released it.

    Will be interesting to see if Microsoft get an order preventing Sony from making any further motion pads, and claiming compensation for each one already released due to patent rights.

    Could mess Sony up big time. Just depends on that technology and the patents Microsoft hold.

  • cyacomini #39 6 years ago

    KillahSouljah

    just FUCK off - Please.

    Go back home, here..

    [link url=http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstat ion/view_profile?user.id=1396512
    ]http://bo ardsus.playstation.com/playstat...[/link]

  • chupachups #40 6 years ago

    KillahSouljah, I'm extremely glad they're all add-ons on the 360 because I don't have a HDTV so Blu-ray, HD-DVD and HDMI would be a total waste of money. Microsoft give us the option of not buying them, but Sony forces them down our throats whether we want them or not.

    Most people won't have HDTV for the lifetime of the PS3 (the next five years despite Sony's lies), so compulsory Blu-ray and HDMI is just daft.

    To top it all off, by the time most people DO have HDTV, the price of a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player will probably be about $100, not $600.
    Edited by 1 at 23/08/06 @ 16:11

  • The12thMonkey #41 6 years ago

    I thought we had a better standard of troll in these parts? Dear, oh dear.

    And yes, the good side to the upgardeable system is clear. Means we aren't sold technology we don't want/need as standard. Downside? Means Microsoft can milk the price a fair bit. Still, like chupachups said, I don't have an HD TV, so HDMI and Blu Ray is utterly worthless to me.
    Edited by 1 at 23/08/06 @ 16:14

  • smelly #42 6 years ago

    WHY ARE PEOPLE EVEN RESPONDING TO THE TIT? STOPPIT..

    Yer making me pressing ignore pointless.

  • KillahSouljah #43 6 years ago

    why you all clicking ignore, is it because you cant face the truth. bloody vassy holes...

  • thinktank #44 6 years ago

    /opens thread

    /see's fanboys squabling

    /leaves

  • Shroom420 #45 6 years ago

    I'm a PC gamer myself and dont see much point in buying consoles i love pro evo and GTA have them on pc (GTA:SA online is awsome). The next gen console have really caught my eye this year.
    Personally i am getting a Wii asap but i am going to agree with Killah, not all the facts he puts across but PS3 is going to be a better console in my opinion. I wouldn't say killah is a fanboy (maybe biased) but all of the people calling him a fanboy don't seem to be saying that the 360 is better just saying he is a fanboy everyone is entitled to there opinion.
    The 360 is jerky and the graphics arent "next gen" on any of the games i have played. 360 has the advantage of being out now and will be able to drop prices more for when the PS3 is out, also fair play for landing fifa and pro evo they have massive fan bases. Assasins Creed is going to be the game to look out for on the PS3 but i still doubt it will pull me to buy one.

  • JonFE #46 6 years ago

    Is there going to be a Sony conference today ?

  • Netfreak #47 6 years ago

    I wouldn't say killah is a fanboy (maybe biased) but all of the people calling him a fanboy don't seem to be saying that the 360 is better just saying he is a fanboy everyone is entitled to there opinion.

    We all can accept different opinion unfortunately Killah is an idiot.

  • Shroom420 #48 6 years ago

    i'm not saying he isn't an idiot i don't know the guy but i had to pop on and say what i think. If he has been pissing you all off then fair enough hes an idiot but i only saw his first post and everyone jump on him.

  • KillahSouljah #49 6 years ago

    Just my opinions, i think PLAYSTATION 3 will be better then 360.

    I find the 360 a rip off, making you pay to play online on a GAME system, come on Microsoft, also their saying Sony's dumb for including a next-gen dvd drive even tho noones won the format war yet Microsofts releasing a HD-DVD Player this year.

  • Razz #50 6 years ago

    PC > *

  • azurelas_2 #51 6 years ago

    Aaanyway, at least the PS3 is open-source. I wasn't born when most of you were hand-coding your games, but the PS3 gives me the opportunity. Without the customer service M$ has, but still.

  • twelveways #52 6 years ago

    Wii ftw

    apart from pc of course...
    Edited by 1 at 23/08/06 @ 17:55

  • Nige #53 6 years ago

    Now the f*ckwits have quitened down a bit...

    Surely the consumer XNA tools aren't that simple? I mean, respect if they are - but has anyone seen any good articles about these?

    *Oh, I spoke too soon.
    Edited by 1 at 23/08/06 @ 17:57

  • Nige #54 6 years ago

    PS3 & Open Source... chuckle, you're going to be so disappointed when you see how that pans out.

    You'll run what Sony want you to run, and nothing else. And yes, it's the same for MS.


  • deepmenace #55 6 years ago

    funnier than KS's post is the tirade of posts following it.

    blimey. some people need to get a grip. cant remember ever seeing so many people travelling solely on a hate-bandwagon.

  • KillahSouljah #56 6 years ago

    Eat your heart out. Its slicker then rick...

    http://ww w.gfdata.de/archiv08-2006-gamef...

  • sheepsteak #57 6 years ago

    LOL

  • Nige #58 6 years ago

    '9 year old boy of questionable anal integrity' in pointless troll shocker.

    Nobody cares boy. Oh, and learn how to punctuate, and spell - thicko.

  • KillahSouljah #59 6 years ago

    Microsofts saying the HD-DVD Player for XBOX 360 will be the cheapest on the market, well thats bullshit, because to be able to play movies on the player you'll need a XBOX 360.

    XBOX 360 - £300
    +
    HD-DVD Player (huge fat ugly add-on) - £200 (around that price mark)
    = £500

    PLAYSTATION 3 (THE Ultimate System)
    = £425

  • thinktank #60 6 years ago

    Applauds Bucko

    “Get your head out of your arse, Sony don't deserve your loyalty anymore than Microsoft, go with the system with the best software since the differences in graphics and features are minimal at best.”

    Look at like this, we are all gamers and presumable that means we all want to play games at the end of the day.

    So when did we all become Sony/Microsoft loyalists and more importantly what benefit do you gain from your respective manufacture for you undying loyalty. Really what?

    Look at it rationally forget there is a Sony or a Microsoft; forget there is a PS3 or a 360. Look at ALL the games coming out from now till the summer 07 drought (both platforms). Decides which ones interest you the most, look at how many of the games you want are on which system and invest in that one. Spend money on the console because it has the games you love not because of the badge it proudly wears. Believe me the only time Sony or Microsoft think of you lot is when they are decided how best to get your money. Your loyalty is misguided and sad.

    If you still staunchly back “your company”, think of this. What possible good would come of either of them failing miserably? How would a Sony fanboy benefit from Microsoft failing or vice versa? Why wouldn’t you want the market to split 50:50 (im not ignoring ninty, its just easier to explain with two). That way we get competition which drives innovation, which forces lower prices, and most importantly a high quantity and quality of games as both companies go head to head.

    Really who the fuck cares about cock waving and entering into a mine is bigger than your contest; every one in those contests has a penker by default.

    I came to play games and my dick is 6 ½ inches, so shut the fuck up with all this ignorant bullshit.

    /end rant
    Edited by 2 at 23/08/06 @ 20:35

  • TR421 #61 6 years ago

    Back on topic, has there been any more news on the Racing Wheel and its compatibility?

  • Talha #62 6 years ago

    It looks like that MS are rolling out a whole load of games-related products, which are impressive if not exactly overwhelming. The XNA initiative, though noble at the surface, leaves open questions about MS's desire for control over game creation.

    Ninty have their fancy controller and a non-intimidating, family friendly console to tout, which is not the most technically advanced thing but certainly is cheap and offers the comfort of familiarity to Ninty-philes.

    Sony? A lot of hot air at the moment.

  • Kafeen #63 6 years ago

    Up to now, we've had to make do using a wired 360 controller, but before the end of the year the new Receiver, priced EUR 49.99, will sort that out for us.

    Wow, for just £33.88 at the current exchange rate (or more likely £35) you can use your wireless 360 controller on the PC.

    Alternativly you could buy a different joypad for half the price.

  • smelly #64 6 years ago

    PEOPLE!!!!

    Can we PLEASE discuss the actual article rather than feeding the trolls who are doing penis comparing contest with very little information which they actually understand?

    Why the hell is HDDVD being discussed in this thread (for instance?)

    Although I will say:

    Sony don't deserve your loyalty anymore than Microsoft, go with the system with the best software



    BLOODY HELL!! Someone on this forums in "talking sense" shocker!

  • thinktank #65 6 years ago

    Apologies for going off topic b4 but I felt it necessary.

    Any who, do we have price for the wireless wheel?

    Also M$ said they would be shipping the wheel with a copy of PGR3 which includes force feedback. Will there still be a patch for every one who has already bought the game, and therefore separate bundle that does not include the “new” PGR3?

  • smelly #66 6 years ago

    Hmmm.. Well msoft doesnt seem to be against the idea of patching games (even though I hate the idea), so my money would be on a patch.

    But if they're giving the game away for free with the wheel.. Then it's free.. having it without said game wont make jott of difference will it?

  • thinktank #67 6 years ago

    "But if they're giving the game away for free with the wheel.. Then it's free.. having it without said game wont make jott of difference will it?"

    Who said we were getting it free? not that i wud mind at all but would that make the current version of PGR3 a bit redundant?

    Also the new wireless headset looks QUALITY, any 1 know how it is powered?



    Edited by 1 at 24/08/06 @ 10:57