Kinect May Support PC Games After All

A PC game developer claims it's adding Kinect support to a current MMORPG.

 
Korean-based developer GamePrix has launched a new MMORPG for the PC called Divine Souls. The game promises to resemble console titles by featuring a combat mode similar to what's used in Tekken and other console-based fighting games. However the big news is that it will eventually support Microsoft's motion-sensing device for the Xbox 360, Kinect.
"The game's support of gaming pads make it resemble console games even more, and is scheduled to support Kinect, a new control system of Xbox360," GamePrix's Jason Lim told IncGamers. "Kinect will soon be available as a new controller so it might be supported like joy pad mode in the future. Currently in MS, there are many game companies that are trying to apply for this system.”
But don't get your hopes up just yet, as there's speculation that the Kinect-PC marriage will remain in a rumor state. Theoretically big-name developers and publishers would have top priority, announcing Kinect support for their games before smaller studios. There's also the fact that Kinect was meant to be an Xbox 360-only peripheral, and not a PC gaming device.

So far we're assuming that Microsoft hasn't planned or developed native software for the Windows platform. In fact, Kinect may need more than simple drivers-- maybe a software suite to cover most of the hardware-related scenarios (fragmentation) that plague the PC gaming platform. Even more, Kinect uses body motions that are best suited for open space in front of the TV. That said, the desktop isn't an ideal scenario, especially for a Tekken-like 1-on-1 combat mode.

It's more than likely Divine Souls will receive unofficial support for Microsoft's Kinect. We've already seen the device in action as "hackers" have found various ways to take advantage of the Kinect's technology. However Microsoft hasn't stepped up to announce any type of PC-related official support. In fact, the company originally condemned the practice of using the device outside its Xbox 360 environment until just recently, changing its gears and embracing the efforts of the Kinect "hacking" community.

Perhaps we'll see something from a Kinect-PC marriage next month at CES 2011. Then again, maybe not.