Wang Yuanyuan

    A MOTION-SENSING gaming device is the future in the video game industry and many Chinese companies have already targeted low-prices to strive for market share.

    At least six companies launched the latest developments in motion-sensing gaming devices at the China Hi-Tech Fair, including Shenzhen Acto Digital Video Technology Co. Ltd.

    Based around a webcam-style add-on peripheral, the device enables users to control and interact with a TV or computer without the need for a game control, through a natural user interface using gestures and spoken commands, said Song Zhan, a professor from the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology.

    “Nintendo from Japan and Microsoft from the United States launched advanced products, Wii and Kinect for the Xbox 360 video game console, several years ago. However, the high cost of hardware made the devices very expensive, but we are trying to lower the price so that more people could enjoy the fun of games,” said Po Zonglin, general manager of Shenzhen Jixun Technology Co. Ltd. The average price of the company’s products was about 1,000 yuan (US$159), nearly half the price of the Kinect.

    To boost market share, companies have started collaborating with international gaming companies to develop more popular games. “We had popular games such as Angry Bird, Super Mario and Sonic, which many people tried at the fair,” said Po.

    “I see similar devices at the fair every year, but most were for big gaming venues and the picture was not very good. However, there were big improvements this year. Although they can’t compare with Kinect, the prices were more competitive. I n one or two years, they could be accepted by the market,” said a video-game enthusiast, Jia Kejie.