Do you remember E3 2009? It was a simpler time. A time where Microsoft unveiled Project Natal to the world (before they recently announced the name to be Kinect), and where one little boy named Milo captured the hearts of millions.
Many speculated how Milo's technology would be incorporated into future games. Others wondered 'Where's the fun?'. The rest just wanted to see a little more, and perhaps understand exactly what was going on. Now, it seems, none of those questions will ever be answered.
According to Microsoft's Director of Product Management, Aaron Greenberg, you'll never be able to help Milo with his homework, no matter how much you want to:
"[Milo] is a technology demo that continues to exist, but right now it’s not a game that we’re planning to bring to market.”
This comes as a shock, as only last week Microsoft issued a statement saying:
"Project Milo is still in development at Lionhead Studios"
Assuming both these statements hold some truth to them, then it's fair to say that Milo, much like a low-level starter Pokémon, has evolved into another creature. The question is, what? (And will it be anywhere near as cute?) Our recent hands-on with Fable III suggested no such functionality, but it's safe to assume that Lionhead has other projects in the works - perhaps a new Black and White game? Where would the Milo tech work well?
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPIbGnBQcJY
I have to say, I think it's a shame that Milo won't be seeing the light of day. As much as I'm sure I wouldn't have bought Milo's Adventures: Homework Bonanza!, I still think the technology behind it is absolutely marvelous. Of course, Peter Molyneux has made promises within the Milo video that can't actually be realized (see video above), but who cares? It's the idea that is exciting. All great things start with a spark of imagination after all.
[Update: Greenburg just sent out a message via Twitter stating the Milo is still in development, but will not be released this year.]
What do you think of the news that Milo won't see a store release? Where do you think the technology could be used? Do you even care for Milo? Let us know in the comments below.