Second Generation Kinect Games Are Now Arriving, Microsoft CEO Believes

Microsoft's Chief Executive Officer, Steve Ballmer, believes the next generation of Kinect games are now being released, as developers can finally take advantage of the sensor's power and deliver upgraded experiences catered directly for it and the Xbox 360 console.

The Kinect was launched into sales success almost a year ago and, since then, has seen quite a few titles appear for it, some more successful than others, although breakout hits have yet to be released.

Now, as the sensor is reaching its first birthday, Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer believes more and more quality titles will be released, as we're now seeing the second generation of Kinect games appear.

"Like any other thing that is new, we came out with a set of applications to show off the platform, to bring others in. Our second generation is now happening," he said at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco, via Gamasutra.

Ballmer then mentioned the recent partnership between Microsoft and entertainment creators like Sesame Street or National Geographic, which are bringing special experiences to the Xbox 360 and the Kinect.

"We announced a partnership with Sesame Street and National Geographic to bring kids' learning and entertainment to the Kinect. You'll see a raft of new games from us and third-party publishers this holiday," Ballmer added.

The executive also mentioned the upcoming dashboard update for the Xbox 360, which puts a bigger emphasis on the Kinect, and the other features it will incorporate, like the TV on Demand system.

"We've announced and demonstrated work that we're doing with people who provide video content -- live TV as well as other [video on demand], etc. content -- to really let you access and find [content] and control it, completely via the Kinect, gesture and voice being a part of that. Bing-powered by the way, that will be out this holiday season. So you're going to see a range of important innovations coming to Kinect on Xbox this holiday."

Microsoft already presented the two special Xbox 360 holiday bundles, one including the Kinect and another without it.