Microsoft's Project Natal was undoubtedly one of the big newsmakers from this year's E3. The unique controller-free motion-sensing technology could have a major impact on the game industry as we know it, and game publishers are already dipping into R&D to see how they might best take advantage of the new tech for their future portfolios.
Is 3DV ultimately behind this unique technology?
It was rumored all along that Microsoft may have been working with Israeli startup 3DV Systems on motion technology, and now it would appear according to Israeli business daily Globes [via GameSpot] that Microsoft has indeed acquired 3DV. Moshe Lichtman, Microsoft corporate vp and head of the Israeli R&D center, reportedly confirmed the sale while attempting to boost staff morale at the center (50 employees had been cut in January).
"Fourteen development projects are taking place at the center today, 12 of them completely new and destined to become Microsoft products in new markets," he commented. "The R&D center helped Microsoft in buying the intellectual property of 3DV Systems, and in the wake of that dozens of the company's employees were recruited to work at the development center."
At this point, it's still unclear if 3DV's motion technology is what's powering Project Natal or if it's completely unrelated. Lichtman was asked by the Globes paper, but he only responded, "When there's something to tell, we'll do so." IndustryGamers would think it's likely that the 3DV buyout and ongoing work on Project Natal are tied together.
