As a dude who goes to the gym two or even three times a day, I don't have a problem being forced to stand up with a hands-free game controller. Normal people, on the other hand, apparently do. Calm down. Kinect can in fact be used while in a seated position.
Microsoft's inability to communicate this information caused something of an Internet stir coming out of E3 2010. But it appears as if it all the belly-achin' was a waste of time. If a studio designs a Kinect game that wants you sitting, then you'll be able to sit while playing. It's that simple.
"Kinect can be used while sitting when an experience is developed with sitting in mind," a Microsoft representative confirmed to Joystiq yesterday (via MTV Multiplayer), finally confirming the fact.
While this is good news for couch fans, the big idea behind Kinect will likely remain the same. The device is supposed to inspire motion--to get you jumping, throwing your arms around, busting a move, leaping, or even jogging in place. The crop of E3 2010 games certainly clung to movement, as will, undoubtedly, most of the first big releases outside of these titles.
On the other hand, the fact that Kinect will work while you're sitting does keep the option of game-specific, throwaway features open for designers. I'm not exactly keen on physically imitating a grenade throw while playing Halo 4 or Gears of War 16, but at least this kind of stuff will be possible.