Microsoft's leader of its Xbox division Don Mattrick has already made waves this week by saying people who want a console that doesn't require an Internet connection should stick with the Xbox 360. On Wednesday, Mattrick took time off from E3 2013 to attend a panel on the future of entertainment at the University of Southern California.
Microsoft's press release offers up details of the panel, which were part of the festivities towards the opening of the School of Cinematic Arts Interactive Media Building at USC. Mattrick was joined by two major forces in the movie industry: George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.
Mattrick stated that the Kinect technology in the upcoming Xbox One console was part of that evolution of entertainment, with its use of voice and gestures to control the console. Spielberg agreed with Mattrick's views, saying, "When your hands get out of the way and the player can get immersed in an experience and the player has to make choices – hands-free, totally immersive experiences are possible.”
Mattrick added:
There are 2.5 billion devices now and we expect it to more than double in the next five years. We think this audience will continue to grow as we build a digital community and as we give new tools to the creators; their stories will get better with help from their community. And we will empower more people to create rich stories. The next wave of gaming will take communities of people and immerse them in rich, two-way experiences.
Putting in more interactive television features will also be a part of entertainment's future, and Mattrick's states Microsoft's plans to launch a Halo TV series alongside their new partnership with the NFL with the Xbox One will help make that happen.
Source: Microsoft | Image via Microsoft
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