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While Oprah’s audience probably falls into the most casual gaming segment imaginable, her viewers no doubt have kids and will want to get them the hottest gift possible for the upcoming holiday. If Oprah says that item is Kinect, then by gosh that’s what those kids are getting!
We are quickly approaching Kinect’s November launch day, and feelings towards the controller-less tech are still fairly mixed. Microsoft is doing what they can to get gamers excited and is touting a 17 game line-up for launch-month. The Oprah plug could be exactly what they needed to build even more awareness for the motion machine.
To skeptical “hardcore” gamers, this sort of hype means very little. Gamers want great games to accompany the hardware. However, it should be noted that this could be a good thing for core gamers as well. Developers will jump on the Kinect bandwagon so long as the device sells well enough. If Microsoft manages to move enough units, then creators won’t be so apprehensive about throwing money behind bigger, Kinect-specific game development. Having Oprah wave her magic wand has certainly seemed to boost interest and sales and, therefore, could lead to some less casual game experiences being put in the works down the road.
Does Oprah’s divine word raise the chances that mom will buy you a Kinect for the holiday? Could this be a vital shot in the arm for Kinect’s potential? Could Oprah be helping us to get some games that don’t include dancing or exercise?
Oprah decrees that you must buy Kinect when it hits store shelves November 4, 2010, exclusively for the Xbox 360. Seriously, you don’t want to make Oprah angry.
Source: Joystick Division
