If you are a Portal 2 fan but a little bored of playing the game using a traditional controller or keyboard and mouse, you might be interested in this Kinect hack that allows you to control your Portal 2 character using gestures instead.
The Portal 2 Kinect hack was created by Brad Cooley and uses for the key bindings. Watch a video of Portal 2 being played via gesture control after the jump.
How the Kinect Hack Works
Brad Cooley’s innovative hack leverages the Kinect’s motion-sensing capabilities to translate physical gestures into in-game actions. This means that instead of pressing buttons or moving a joystick, you can perform specific movements to control your character. For example, you might wave your hand to shoot a portal or step to the side to make your character move. This adds a whole new layer of immersion and physicality to the gameplay experience.
The Kinect sensor captures your movements and sends the data to a computer, which then interprets these gestures as specific commands within Portal 2. This is achieved through custom key bindings that map each gesture to a corresponding in-game action. The result is a seamless integration of motion control into a game that was originally designed for traditional input methods.
Potential and Future of Motion Control in Gaming
For the keybindings and to ask Cooley any questions about his Kinect hack jump over to the YouTube description for his email address. You never know Valve might even release a motion controller update in the future which will allow both Kinect and PS3 Move controllers to be used.
The potential for motion control in gaming is vast. While traditional controllers offer precision and familiarity, motion controls can provide a more engaging and physically interactive experience. Games like Portal 2, which involve a lot of spatial puzzles and physical movement, are particularly well-suited to this kind of control scheme. Imagine physically ducking to avoid obstacles or reaching out to grab objects in the game world. These kinds of interactions can make the game feel more real and immersive.
Moreover, the success of this Kinect hack could inspire other developers to explore similar innovations. If Valve or other major game developers were to officially support motion controls, it could open up new possibilities for game design and player interaction. For instance, future updates or new games could include built-in support for devices like the Kinect or PlayStation Move, making motion control a standard feature rather than a niche hack.
In conclusion, Brad Cooley’s Kinect hack for Portal 2 is a fascinating glimpse into the future of gaming. By using gestures to control the game, players can enjoy a more immersive and physically engaging experience. Whether or not this becomes a mainstream feature in future games remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the potential for motion control in gaming is enormous. If you’re interested in trying it out for yourself, be sure to check out the video and reach out to Cooley for more information.
Source : DVICE
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