Japan gets three-foot Kinect measuring strips to judge play space, but Microsoft recommends six feet… (Xbox 360)

Kinect’s recommended six-foot play distance has been a bone of contention for gamers with small living rooms and limited access to sprawling villas, especially those who may not have known about the space requirements before bringing the system home. In an effort to stop any similar ill-will in Japan, Microsoft has started attaching three-foot measuring strips to their point-of-purchase displays.

Wait, three feet? But that’s too short according to Microsoft’s own advertised specs. Either Microsoft is relying on consumers to double the measurement, or this attempt to address concerns is half-hearted.

In its defense, Microsoft has spoken on the issue of limited play space on numerous occasions. In an early 2010 interview with Kotaku, a rep from the company dispelled rumors that a 13-foot range was required, saying, “It is true that the [Kinect] sensor reads the configuration of your room and adjusts play space, as appropriate. We know that living rooms come in all shapes and sizes, and have conducted numerous play tests to ensure everyone will be able to jump off the couch and into the fun when [Kinect] launches globally this holiday.”

So is it six feet, or three feet, or does it not matter at all?

Reports on the actual distance required to play with the Kinect are varied. GR’s own Justin Towell experienced some Kinect spacing woes earlier this month.

[Source: Kotaku]

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