Virtual Air Guitar reveals new Kinect games after Microsoft kills camera

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A few days ago Microsoft announced that they had ceased production of the Kinect 2.0 sensor.

The original Kinect was introduced in 2010 and an updated version shipped with the Xbox One in 2013. Without Microsoft's support it seems like games which utilize the device are doomed, but there's at least one studio out there standing strong. Virtual Air Guitar Company just announced that they are continuing Kinect development with two new games. When asked about their decision to keep on making Kinect games, Founder and Lead Designer Aki Kanerva said the following.

Even though manufacturing has stopped, that doesn't mean all the Kinects out there have suddenly stopped existing. We continue to support Kinect, and we'll keep making Kinect games for as long as enough people keep buying them.

That's a great attitude to have given the situation. The success of the new games, Boom Ball 3 for Kinect and Kinect Funhouse, depends on it. Hopefully Kinect fans will continue using the accessory for years to come and supporting such titles if they enjoy them.

Boom Ball 3 for Kinect is nearing completion and will be released in December 2017 through the ID@Xbox program. It will be available exclusively on Xbox One for $9.99. Just like past Boom Ball games, the title requires you to use your hands to bounce a ball and break blocks. The game features fifty all-new levels this time around too.

It's unclear what Kinect Funhouse is yet as the developer just confirmed its existence. They recently begun work on the game and it's expected to release in Spring 2018. Further details about the title will be announced in 2018. If you like Kinect games be sure to keep a look out for Boom Ball 3 towards the end of the year. Additionally, you can still easily pick up a Kinect 2.0 sensor on Amazon while stocks last.

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Asher Madan
Asher Madan

Asher Madan handles gaming news for Windows Central. Before joining Windows Central in 2017, Asher worked for a number of different gaming outlets. He has a background in medical science and is passionate about all forms of entertainment, cooking, and antiquing.
7 Comments
  • I'll be buying this to prove to the idiots on the board of directors that demand for Kinect still exists.
  • Quite sure they have a much better insight into the demand (or lack thereof in this case) for Kinect than you do.
  • How could there be any demand for it if people don't know it exists? When I tell people about what it used to do, they are quite surprised.
  • The problem Microsoft has is that, people start missing their products after they've shuttered it. Nobody bought the kinnects or the 950's when they launched.. Apps were not written.. 
  • Kinect Funhouse... the name itself sound intruiging.  Looking forward to seeing that.
  • Also, less than a week ago Microsoft Studios released three new Kinect games.
  • What?  I missed that.  Are you sure they weren't Kinect games converted to controller games?  If not, can you give me a link, cause I want to see this!  Thanks.