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Get Off the Couch and Into the Game This Holiday Season With on November 09, 2004.
Physical Activity and Videogames Fuse as Players Use Their Body, Not a Joystick, to Control 3D Character Movements
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. announced today the release of EyeToy: AntiGrav(TM), the first
and only 3D character based EyeToy(TM) game that uses facial and body
recognition technology to control a character in futuristic hoverboard
gameplay. Representing the next step in the evolution of the EyeToy technology
and physical and interactive gaming, EyeToy: AntiGrav is developed by Harmonix
Music Systems, Inc., the creators of Frequency(TM), Amplitude and Karaoke
Revolution(TM). It also follows EyeToy(TM): Play, which sold more than 4
million units worldwide since its release, and EyeToy(TM): Groove, which
enables players to dance in time with one of 28 licensed songs.
"The success of EyeToy shows that gamers are eager to jump on board with
innovative and fun new ways to interact with their PlayStation 2," said Joe
Brisbois, producer, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "EyeToy: AntiGrav
gets gamers off the couch and allows them to become physically immersed in the
game, in a way that has never before been possible."
With the USB EyeToy camera aimed at the player and plugged into a
PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the gamer enters the short
calibration process before beginning the fast-paced, active gameplay. The
camera uses a combination of advanced facial and motion tracking technology to
lock onto the player and capture movement. The gamer's movements are then used
to control steering, jumping, ducking, grinding, acceleration, braking, and
tricks, as they interact with the environment and avoid obstacles.
In addition to playing EyeToy: AntiGrav for a fun and interactive gaming
experience, the gameplay challenges both the mind and the body to get the
heart pumping. "EyeToy: AntiGrav combines the traditional entertainment
component of videogaming with mandated physical activity to create a new
videogame category," said James C. Rosser, Jr., MD, chief of minimally
invasive surgery and director of the Advanced Medical Technology Institute,
Beth Israel Medical Center. "With obesity being healthcare public enemy number
one, and reaching epidemic portions in our nation's youth, this game will have
an impact that will extend far beyond that of personal entertainment. EyeToy:
AntiGrav transforms the passive gaming experience into a gaming platform that
provides a smorgasbord of physical activity. In our preliminary analysis, with
a small number of people, the pulse rate of gamers increased an average of 41
percent after only five minutes of participation. This strongly suggests that
this game could be an excellent way to increase energy expenditure."
When playing in one of the five game environments, the motion tracker is
positioned in the lower right hand corner of the screen, so the player can see
how their movements correspond in real time to the movements of one of the
eight hoverboard racers that they have selected.
After first completing the tutorial, players can choose to rack up points
in Style mode, compete against three other AI-controlled hoverboard racers in
Speed mode, or beat their friend's best performance in Multiplayer mode.
Gamers will grind on rails, fly through rings, hit target combos, crouch to
initiate turbo boosts and perform sick tricks in the air, all in futuristic
urban and rural settings.
Even professional boarder, Shaun White has taken interest in the game.
"EyeToy: AntiGrav is one of the most exciting games I have ever played. You
have to put your whole body into playing it."
EyeToy: AntiGrav will be available with the EyeToy USB camera for a
suggested retail price of $49.99. To increase excitement and awareness for the
title, a massive marketing campaign is in effect.
National Broadcast/Cable Advertising Campaign
Targeting the "tween" and older male audience, the national television
campaign demonstrates the strong connection the player makes with the
character in EyeToy: AntiGrav by using their body to control the hoverboard
racer.
Two separate executions will run in various time slots on network, cable
and syndicated programming through the end of November. Executions will air on
FOX, NBC, CBS, UPN, and ABC networks, reaching viewers of "Fear Factor," "The
Simpsons," "Macy's Thanksgiving Parade," "America's Next Top Model," and more.
Targeted cable programming on shows such as "South Park," "Spankin New Music,"
"SpongeBob SquarePants," "Rugrats," and "SportsCenter" will also be utilized
with spots running on BET, The Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, ESPN, ESPN2,
FoxFX, G4, MTV, MTV2, Nick, Spike TV, and additional networks.
National Print Advertising Campaign
To support EyeToy: AntiGrav, the print advertisements encourage readers
to, "Put down the controller and become one with the game." The campaign will
reach millions of readers nationwide through placements in a wide variety of
national consumer, children and teen outlets, gaming, sports, and comic
publications. The print campaign will begin in November 2004 and continue
through February 2005. Print ads will run in publications such as SI for Kids,
Disney Adventures, National Geographic Kids, TransWorld Skateboarding,
Snowboarder, Electronic Gaming Monthly, GMR, Official PlayStation Magazine, DC
Comics and Marvel Comics.
Source: Sony
Reported by Joseph Bennett. |
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