NMS08: Head-tracking disappears from EA's Boom Blox
by Alisha Karabinus 
{ Apr 15th 2008 at 6:15AM }
Remember how awesome it was when we found out that BOOM BLOX was going to incorporate Johnny Chung Lee's incredible head-tracking 3D demo? There was dancing in the streets (and an extra helping of crow for the staff here). Well, put away the maracas and forget the confetti: EA has cut the Easter egg from the title. Guess that means the device we rigged from a beer helmet, swim goggles, and an old bag of Cheetos is now completely useless, and we're denied the chance to try out the most amazing development for the Wii that we've seen -- and in a game that would have been perfect for it, too. What happened? EA is mum on the whys and wherefores, stating only that the Easter egg was never confirmed for inclusion.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
koehler83 @ Apr 15th 2008 8:41AM
Do not want Boom Blox
Jimbob @ Apr 15th 2008 6:22AM
there goes all reason to buy this game
ricard @ Apr 15th 2008 8:51AM
me too thats the only reason is was going to buy it
fco. @ Apr 15th 2008 10:09AM
Obviously Big Dad Nintendo must have got very angry after one of his kids made an anouncement that would have end up with everyone hacking his beautiful Wii. So "little" EA had no choice but to retract.
If they had kept it a real easter egg instead of anouncing it officially, they would have got away with it.
Actually, who knows? maybe they're bluffing and the thing will still be there, though not as an official feature.
meist3r @ Apr 15th 2008 10:21AM
Hacking the Wii? What's hacking about turning your Wiimote around and putting on silly looking IR-safety glasses? I don't think that's the real reason. There is nothing in there that can harm Nintendos precious software vault. If they worked against that type of technology that would be the stupidest thing ever. Almost everyone knows the wiimote hack by now and to try to block it is really counterproductive to say the least. I would think EA took the feature out and make stuff beyond eastereggs with it. After the TED conference showed that huge interest and admiration it would be ignorant not to do so. I think we will see some kind of EA headtracking game being announced pretty soonish.
meist3r @ Apr 15th 2008 10:21AM
Hacking the Wii? What's hacking about turning your Wiimote around and putting on silly looking IR-safety glasses? I don't think that's the real reason. There is nothing in there that can harm Nintendos precious software vault. If they worked against that type of technology that would be the stupidest thing ever. Almost everyone knows the wiimote hack by now and to try to block it is really counterproductive to say the least. I would think EA took the feature out and make stuff beyond eastereggs with it. After the TED conference showed that huge interest and admiration it would be ignorant not to do so. I think we will see some kind of EA headtracking game being announced pretty soonish.
meist3r @ Apr 15th 2008 10:22AM
Ahh sorry, stupid comment script kicked me back to the main page.
meist3r @ Apr 15th 2008 10:19AM
EA seems to be the uncrowned master of shooting yourself in the foot PR wise. First their megalomaniac threat to take over Rockstar and now this. Let a guy make an announcement in front of all the internetz and then pull it. Booo EA. I won't buy this game for sure.
bust0 @ Apr 15th 2008 12:07PM
I was skeptical this was going to happen from the beginning. It was pretty clear in the videos that said "GDC Exclusive Easter Egg." Plus I guarantee you Nintendo legal were not happy about encouraging people to tether the sensor bar to people's heads.
hvnlysoldr @ Apr 15th 2008 1:44PM
Maybe Nintendo was angry they couldn't implement it first just like online and Miis. Nahh
SoshiKitai @ Apr 15th 2008 3:15PM
Or maybe... just maybe... if Nintendo was working on a "new system", they wanted to implement this feature in it, and wanted to destroy all hopes that this sees the light of day until then.
It better hurry though, or another company might buy the idea for themselves. :P
(totally unlikely story... I think)