EyeToy - Chat Turns PS2 Into Videophone
Thanks to GameSpot for its coverage of Sony Europe's announcement of Eye Toy: Chat for PlayStation 2, a piece of software that works with Sony's Eye Toy USB camera and "allows users to communicate with each other in four different ways, namely text, voice, video mail, and one-to-one video chat." It's also explained: "While engaging in a one-on-one video chat, users will have the option to play games against each other, including chess, checkers, and naval war." The article has further clarification on potential worries for parents: "SCEE is eager to point out that that it has been working very closely with several children's charities in order to ensure that EyeToy: Chat is safe for even the youngest PS2 fans to enjoy."
Yeah, and then combine it with what Rockstar have already done in Manhunt - use a USB headset to hear instructions, and then if you accidentally speak out loud or make any noise, it alerts the characters in the game (you can also use it as a deliberate decoy tactic). That approach with the Eyetoy thrown in could be a real winner, though you'd really need to have it as an optional feature to have any commercial success - e.g. you don't NEED a headset for Manhunt, but it can add a lot to the experience.