P5 controller Interview: Essential Reality breaks new ground with its innovative PC peripheral

Marketing Vice President David Devor chats with GameZone about their recently released PC peripheral, the P5 controller 

by Louis Bedigian

Shortly after you read this article, you'll be able to go online or walk into a video game retailer and purchase what looks to be one of the most innovative PC peripherals ever conceived: Essential Reality's P5 controller.

Calling it a controller is almost a false label though, as this is so much more than a game controller.  Remember the "glove" controllers released in the late 80's/early '90s?  They were merely a controller that wrapped around your hand.  The P5 controller is different.  When you're wearing it, the P5 controller becomes your hand, and the hand becomes your controller.

That is entirely due to Essential Reality's innovative technology, which senses movement/resistance from each of your fingers!  The more the fingers move, the more the game reacts (the corresponding action will vary with each game, of course).  This opens up a whole new world of game development depth for PC developers, especially those who specialize in god games like Black & White, where you control a giant, all-powerful hand.

Speaking of Black & White, it will be one of the first games to support the P5 controller.

Peter Molyneux spoke very fondly of the controller, saying that it will "add a whole new level of excitement to the 'Black and White' gaming experience.  In the unique world of Black & White, the cursor is shaped as a life-like hand. Adding real-time hand, finger and wrist movements to the game using the new P5 controller will undoubtedly further enhance the illusion of reality and popularity of Black and White."

Filled with anticipation, I sat down with David Devor, Vice President of Marketing for Essential Reality, to get the inside scoop on the year's most anticipated PC peripheral.  David revealed quite a few interesting tidbits that you may not be aware of, including information on the planned console versions.  He also explained the technology behind Essential Reality's innovation, and told us to expect more game support announcements in the coming weeks.

Question: Who is your target market for the P5 controller?  Which gamers (hardcore, casual, intermediate) do you think will get the most out of it?

David Devor: Our initial target is the pc gamer within the ages of 14-35, in addition, seeing as the fact that the P5 adds an entire new dimension in gameplay we expect the market to be a combination of the hardcore, casual and the intermediate gamers

Q: How exactly does the P5's technology work?

DD: The P5 is a USB device - the glove plugs into the optical tracker, which then plugs into the USB port. Each finger has a sensor on it that could be mapped to mouse and keyboard commands. In addition, the fact that it is a motion capture unit allows a developer to incorporate many different gestures into the application.

Q: Does the P5 controller have force-feedback?

DD: Not at this point, but it is in discussion [for the] next generation.

Q: How many buttons are featured on the P5 controller?

DD: Not including the gesture recognition capabilities, the P5 has 9 programmable buttons (including each finger). In addition, each finger recognizes the bend resistance and can therefore be a multiple command.

Q: Are any games being developed specifically for the P5 controller?

DD: Yes, we will be announcing more titles shortly.  We have many relationships in place and in addition, we are opening our source code via our SDK to all developers.

Q: Which consoles will the P5 controller be released on?

DD: We expect to release the ps2 version in the second half of 2003, currently the P5 that you would buy today can work on the ps2 but we are working on some specific game content. We also anticipate the Xbox but the time frame is still unclear.

Q: Will there be any significant differences between the P5 controller for the PC and the upcoming console version(s)?

DD: It is all controlled by the content [the type of game you are playing].

Q: How well will the P5 controller work with games other types games (real-time strategy, first-person shooter, etc.)?

DD: The feedback that we have been getting is very positive.

Q: How much does the P5 controller weigh?

DD: 4 oz.

Q: I have long, skinny fingers, but some gamers have short, chubby hands, while others have the hands of a football player.  Will this affect the way that the P5 feels in your hand?

DD: Included in the box will be different size rings for different size fingers. You can also adjust the length of the sensors.

Q: Will you able to use a mouse and keyboard in conjunction with the P5 controller?

DD: Yes.

Q: PC peripherals aren't always easy to find.  What major electronic/video game retailers are going to be selling the P5 controller at launch?

DD: We have already announced Electronics Boutique and GameStop.  More to be announced soon.  You may also purchase one from our site at: http://www.essentialreality.com.

Thank you for your time, David!

DD: My pleasure