Hi everyone – it’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since the PlayStation 2 launched and 11 years since I first started here at Sony Computer Entertainment America. Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of working on some of PlayStation’s latest and greatest – the EyeToy being one of my first big projects when I joined the company in 1999.
The EyeToy USB camera was the first of its kind to translate your body movements into game controls, map your face onto in-game characters and more. It was created to allow you to physically interact with games, such as Antigrav, EyeToy Play and Kinetic, using your body. The unencumbered feeling of no wires and feeling free (instead of connected to your television) was very important, as was the simplicity of the controls. Everyone, even non-gamers, felt like they could just jump in and play, which was great. We learned a lot from our experience creating EyeToy, and it has definitely played a significant role in the development of PlayStation Move. We’ve pulled together a quick look back at the technology that started it all in the video below.
EyeToy helped us understand that while people definitely enjoy physical interaction and movement, they also want precise control and a simple, fast, reliable way to trigger actions. We also found that some experiences just feel more natural when holding a tool, or a “prop.” Seven years later, we’ve introduced PlayStation Move, which we think is the ideal combination of both spatial and action/button input. We here at PlayStation are always looking for ways to enhance the gamers’ experience and we’re looking forward to the new experiences PlayStation Move will enable over the next 10 years.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
We need an HD PSeye. The PSeye out now is ok for chatting and stuff but now thay your using it where we become part of the game I’m annoyed by pixelation.
Yes, people tend to forget that the motion gaming was around in the PS2 era. With the Move fully launched now, it would be nice to see an HD upgrade for the PSEye.
@everyone requesting an HD camera
I too would sign that petition
Richard, outstanding work on the MOVE, the PSEYE, and the EYETOY!!! I wish you and your team the best, keep up the great work and thank you!!! 8)
I’d love an HD version of the Eye too, but would it be possible to make an HD camera that would send uncompressed video down the USB2.0 connection at 60-120Hz, and keep the cost down?
Right now the Eye does it’s job for PS Move extremely well, although augmented reality does need good lighting. Sony have done a very good job at near 1:1 marker tracking using legacy camera technology. Amazing job, Sony R&D
@Dr Marks
Have Sony considered looking at 3D camera technology or stereoscopic technology again recently? Is it something that you’d consider for a future PlayStation console?
There’s a nice stereoscopic concept image of a 3D stereoscopic Eye on Blog Share
s916.photobucket.com/albums/ad3/AnthonyTonyMagic/PlayStation%20Share/?action=view¤t=3dEye.jpg
share.blog.us.playstation.com/ideas/2010/03/20/3d-eye-dual-camera-pseye-for-3d-video-chat/
We continue to look at all kinds of camera tech, including various forms of 3d cameras. For the future, we will pursue whatever we believe can enable the most exciting entertainment experiences for our PlayStation owners. Thanks for the blogshare pointer; always like to cool ideas!