UDraw GameTablet

Last updated
A uDraw GameTablet for PS3, with its stylus in standing position. UDrawTabletPS3.jpg
A uDraw GameTablet for PS3, with its stylus in standing position.

The uDraw GameTablet is a gaming graphics tablet released by THQ for the Wii in 2010, and for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2011. It has a pressure-sensitive stylus which allows users to draw and view their creations on screen. The tablet is motion-sensitive through either the Wii Remote or internal accelerometers, which lets users tilt and roll the tablet for various changes in gameplay.

Contents

The initial white version of the device was introduced exclusively for the Wii on November 14, 2010. Subsequently, black-colored versions for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii were released a year later on November 15, 2011. The Wii uDraw GameTablet is bundled with an art-based video game, uDraw Studio , while the uDraw GameTablet for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 comes with uDraw Studio: Instant Artist. Additional titles include uDraw Pictionary , Disney Princess: Enchanting Storybooks , Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat , The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns – Again! , SpongeBob SquigglePants and Dood's Big Adventure .

While the initial release of the device for the Wii met with some success, THQ's expanded release of the uDraw for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 has been described as a "disaster". THQ's Chief Financial Officer described 1.4 million unsold units as the primary reason for a revenue shortfall of around $100 million. [1]

THQ discontinued production of the tablet in early February 2012. "THQ has no future commitments or plans to manufacture uDraw hardware," the company told investors. "THQ's strategy is to focus on its premium core and fighting franchises and to expand its digital revenues." Following the eventual collapse of THQ in December 2012, former company president Jason Rubin described the uDraw as one of the "massive mistakes" which had led to the company's demise. [2]

Creation and development

The uDraw GameTablet for the Wii UDraw tablet for Wii.jpg
The uDraw GameTablet for the Wii

The uDraw GameTablet was developed by THQ as a gaming accessory for the Wii. It was the first drawing device for the seventh generation consoles.[ citation needed ]

The original uDraw GameTablet has a 4 by 6-inch drawing surface on which users can create free-form drawings and artwork, as well as play games designed specifically for the uDraw GameTablet, using an attached pressure-sensitive stylus pen. The stylus also has a dualfunction seesaw button that emulates the C and Z buttons on the Wii Nunchuk. The Wii Remote docks in the Wii's uDraw GameTablet, which draws power directly from the Wii Remote’s battery. The uDraw GameTablet also takes advantage of the Wii Remote’s motion sensors and tilt movement options, allowing users to control their characters by moving and directing them throughout levels of the game. [3]

uDraw promotion at E3 2011 E3 2011 - U Draw (THQ) (5822677176).jpg
uDraw promotion at E3 2011

The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions have a different design in comparison to the original Wii version, including horizontal stylus holders instead of the original's vertical holder, and buttons and directional pads similar to the ones found on the DualShock 3 and Xbox 360 Controllers. Likewise, the PlayStation and Xbox versions use internal accelerometers, although PlayStation-makers Sony have previously released its own motion-sensitive controller, the PlayStation Move, which is not used alongside the uDraw GameTablet. Additionally, the uDraw GameTablet for these consoles feature high definition input, with pinch-and-stretch and rotation features. [4]

The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were only produced for 4 months. THQ abandoned uDraw completely during February 2012 to focus on its core adult gaming audience and to regain a profit.

uDraw Studio Instant Artist

The uDraw GameTablet is bundled with uDraw Studio Instant Artist. Previously, the uDraw GameTablet came with uDraw Studio (developed by Pipeworks Software). Both allow users to draw, color, paint and create works of art. Players can use the available tools and features to draw, paint and color simple shapes, or experiment with different painting styles, layers and shading under three different modes of play: Art School, Art Play, and Art Camp. Art School offers interactive tutorials with Remmy, the game's 3D animated host, while Art Play allows for freestyle painting and drawing, and Art Camp offers a variety of art activities. uDraw Studio Instant Artist has art education materials to help players learn how to draw and paint.

The game comes with a library of more than 300 stamps with rotation and animation features, and various post-processing effects, including black-and-white, sepia and neon. Because of the versatility of the game, players can create any kind of art they want and get precise painting options through zooming, pinching or stretching their artwork on the tablet. Sliders and toggles adjust brush size, paint drop-off and opacity.

Features on uDraw Studio Instant Artist include:

Games

The following Wii games require the uDraw Game Tablet:

TitleDeveloperPublisherBundledRelease date N. AmericaRelease date EuropeRelease date Australia
uDraw Studio Pipeworks Software THQ YesNovember 14, 2010March 4, 2011February 24, 2011 [5]
Pictionary Page 44 Studios THQ SomeNovember 14, 2010March 4, 2011February 24, 2011
Dood's Big Adventure THQ Digital Studios Phoenix THQ SomeNovember 14, 2010March 4, 2011February 24, 2011
SpongeBob SquigglePants WayForward Technologies THQ SomeApril 12, 2011April 15, 2011April 14, 2011
Kung Fu Panda 2 Griptonite Games THQ N/AMay 24, 2011June 10, 2011June 16, 2011
The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns - Again! Griptonite Games THQ N/ASeptember 6, 2011September 16, 2011N/A
Disney Princess: Enchanting Storybooks Disney Interactive Studios, Page 44 Studios THQ SomeNovember 1, 2011November 18, 2011November 17, 2011
Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat Griptonite Games THQ N/ANovember 15, 2011November 18, 2011November 17, 2011
Pictionary: Ultimate Edition Page 44 Studios THQ N/ANovember 15, 2011November 18, 2011November 17, 2011
uDraw Studio: Instant Artist Pipeworks Software THQ YesNovember 15, 2011November 18, 2011November 17, 2011
Disney Animator [6] Disney Interactive Studios THQ NoCancelled (planned for release in March 2012)N/AN/A

Reception

The uDraw GameTablet hardware and video games have generally received positive reviews. In August 2010 at the announcement of uDraw, analysts predicted that uDraw could "sell up to one million units", [7] with the potential to be a sleeper hit during the 2010 holiday season. [8] THQ also showcased uDraw at GamesCom 2010 and reviewers noted that the clean user interface and simple design "makes it accessible to the widest audience possible".

Joystiq said that the uDraw GameTablet's "simple mostly-white design makes it a perfect companion for the Wii", noting that the replay function is a cool feature: "In the hands of a capable artist, this will undoubtedly make for some mesmerizing videos." [9] USA Today 's review said that "navigating with the stylus feels easy", and both the tablet and stylus handled coloring and stroke move well. [10] Digital Spy reviewed the new uDraw GameTablet for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3: "the range of functionality makes it a good option for families and the casual market." [11] In contrast, Calum Wilson Austin of The Sydney Morning Herald gave the Tablet a 3/10. "While this peripheral might entertain children," stated Austin, "anyone else will be better served with a pen and a blank piece of paper." [12]

See also

Related Research Articles

The Xbox 360 is a home video game console developed by Microsoft. As the successor to the original Xbox, it is the second console in the Xbox series. It competed with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles. It was officially unveiled on MTV on May 12, 2005, with detailed launch and game information announced later that month at the 2005 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).

Red Faction is a series of shooter video games developed by Volition and owned by Plaion. Originating in 2001, the Red Faction games have spanned Microsoft Windows, macOS and consoles, including the PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Original developers Volition have retained the rights to the series since 2020, with no updates provided on whether a future fifth game is in the works or may be so in the future.

Since the release of the Nintendo Wii, many aesthetic, ergonomic and functional accessories have been developed by third parties for the console’s controller, the Wii Remote.

<i>WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011</i> 2010 professional wrestling video game

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is a professional wrestling video game developed by Yuke's and published by THQ for PlayStation 2 (PS2), PlayStation 3 (PS3), PlayStation Portable (PSP), Xbox 360, and Wii systems. The game was released worldwide in October 2010, with the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions for Japan in February 2011.

<i>WWE All Stars</i> 2011 professional wrestling video game

WWE All Stars is a professional wrestling video game published by THQ and developed by THQ San Diego for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 systems and Subdued Software for the PlayStation Portable, Wii, Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation 2 systems. The game features current and former WWE wrestlers competing in fast-paced wrestling matches. It was released on March 29, 2011 in North America and April 1, 2011 in Europe. It is also the only WWE video game to be available for the Nintendo 3DS and the last WWE video game to be released on the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable.

<i>Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet</i> 2010 video game

Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet is a fighting video game, and the sequel to Marvel Super Hero Squad. It was released in November 2010 for Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, and Wii, and was released for the first time on a Microsoft console, the Xbox 360. Similar to the first game, it features cartoonish super-deformed versions of the Marvel Comics characters, as seen in the Marvel Super Hero Squad toy line, as well as the television show. The 3DS version was released in 2011.

<i>UDraw Pictionary</i> 2010 video game

uDraw Pictionary is an art-based video game developed by Page 44 Studios and published by THQ Inc. that players can play on the uDraw GameTablet for the Nintendo Wii. The game is based on the popular board game Pictionary, in which players draw pictures based on clues from a subject and have their teammates guess what specific words the picture is supposed to represent. It was released on November 14, 2010 for the Nintendo Wii game system.

<i>Doods Big Adventure</i> 2010 video game

Dood's Big Adventure is an action-adventure and art-based video game developed and published by THQ for the uDraw GameTablet for the Nintendo Wii. The game lets players draw, tilt and maneuver through 60 different challenging levels by creating their own hero and tools within the game. It was released for the Nintendo Wii game system in 2010 in North America and in 2011 for PAL region.

<i>UDraw Studio</i> 2010 video game

uDraw Studio is an art game for Wii which is bundled with the uDraw GameTablet and is the main game in the uDraw series. The game was published by THQ, developed by Pipeworks Software, and released in North America on November 14, 2010, February 24, 2011 in Australia and in Europe on March 4, 2011. It lets players create their own paintings or color in coloring pages and save them to their gallery using the uDraw GameTablet bundled with the game. A sequel to the game, uDraw Studio Instant Artist, was released for Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 with and without bundles in North America on November 15, 2011, November 17, 2011 in Australia and in Europe on November 18, 2011.

<i>SpongeBob SquigglePants</i> 2011 video game

SpongeBob SquigglePants is an action video game based on the SpongeBob SquarePants television series, developed by WayForward Technologies and published by THQ. The game was first announced on March 23, 2011, and was released for Wii in North America on April 12, 2011, in Australia on April 14, 2011, and in Europe on April 15, 2011. The Nintendo 3DS version was released in North America on May 17, 2011, in Australia on May 26, 2011, and in Europe on May 27, 2011. It is the fourth game to use the uDraw GameTablet accessory and borrows its concept from the WarioWare series, consisting of a series of minigames. SpongeBob SquigglePants also features appearances from Patchy the Pirate, the president of the SpongeBob fan club, as its live-action host.

<i>Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat</i> 2011 video game

Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat is a video game that uses the uDraw GameTablet, developed by Griptonite Games, and published by THQ. The game is the third in the Marvel Super Hero Squad franchise, acting as the sequel to two video games Marvel Super Hero Squad and Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet. It was released on November 15, 2011, for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii game systems.

<i>Puss in Boots</i> (video game) 2011 video game

Puss in Boots is an action game based on the film of the same name. It was developed by Blitz Games Studios, and released by THQ for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii and Nintendo DS. It features support for Kinect and PlayStation Move on the respective platforms.

<i>Disney Princess: Enchanting Storybooks</i> 2011 video game

Disney Princess: Enchanting Storybooks is an art-based video game published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by THQ that players can play on the uDraw GameTablet for the Wii. The game is based on various princesses from Disney animated films, including Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Tiana. It was released on November 15, 2011 for the Wii and Nintendo DS.

<i>The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns – Again!</i> 2011 video game

The Penguins of Madagascar: Dr. Blowhole Returns – Again! is an adventure video game developed by Griptonite Games and published by THQ available for the Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo DS. It was released in September 2011.

Rhythm game accessories are often required to play rhythm games available for various consoles, such as the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360. These include dance pads, guitar controllers, drum controllers, microphones and turntable controllers. With the exception of microphones, these controllers can generally be used to control any game, but have limited inputs, making them impractical for most games.

<i>Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth</i> 2012 video game

Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth is a video game developed by Ubisoft Quebec and published by Ubisoft for the Xbox 360 and the Wii U. The game is heavily based on the "Secret Invasion" storyline in Marvel comic books. The game was announced after the cancellation of the original The Avengers game based on the 2012 film of the same name, being developed by THQ. Battle for Earth was released in North America on October 30, 2012 for the Xbox 360, followed by the Wii U version on December 4. It was the first and currently only Marvel video game to be published by Ubisoft.

Just Dance is a rhythm game series developed and published by Ubisoft. The original Just Dance game was released on the Wii in 2009 in North America, Europe, and Australia.

References

  1. ↑ "THQ details full extent of uDraw disaster". Eurogamer. 2012-02-02. Retrieved 2012-02-02.
  2. ↑ "The collapse of THQ: The full story". MCV. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  3. ↑ "Gamescom 2010: THQ innovates with uDraw GameTablet for the Wii". EL33TONLINE. 2010-08-21. Archived from the original on 2013-01-02. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  4. ↑ "uDraw for 360 and PS3 is multitouch, ships with new Studio software". JOYSTIQ. 2011-06-03. Retrieved 2011-12-10.
  5. ↑ "uDraw tablet and games hit Australia on February 24th". Archived from the original on 2011-01-21. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
  6. ↑ "E3 2011: THQ draws up Disney Animator".
  7. ↑ Batchelor, James (2010-11-03). "uDraw is a 'platform, not a fad'". MCV. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  8. ↑ Goldman, Tom (2010-10-16). "THQ Letting Kids uDraw This Holiday Season". The Escapist . Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  9. ↑ Yoon, Andrew (2010-10-20). "uDraw preview: Hands-on with THQ's GameTablet". Joystiq. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  10. ↑ Molina, Brett (2010-09-21). "First impressions: uDraw GameTablet". USA Today. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  11. ↑ Laughlin, Andrew (2011-12-03). "uDraw GameTablet Instant Artist review". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2011-12-06.
  12. ↑ Austin, Calum (2011-05-26). "uDraw the worst gaming peripheral ever?". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2011-06-29.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.