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.
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, , , , 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]
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. After the release of Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for the Nintendo Wii, THQ began development on the uDraw, then called the "Drawn To Life Pal" in reference to the Drawn to Life series.[3] Original plans were to use the tablet for a licensed Drawn to Life game in the same vein as, though no other licensed Drawn to Life games were ever released and the uDraw was never made compatible with any game in the series.
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.[4]
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.[5]
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.
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:
The following Wii games require the uDraw Game Tablet:
| Title | Developer | Publisher | Bundled | Release date N. America | Release date Europe | Release date Australia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| uDraw Studio | Pipeworks Software | THQ | Yes | November 14, 2010 | March 4, 2011 | February 24, 2011[6] | |
| Pictionary | Page 44 Studios | THQ | Some | November 14, 2010 | March 4, 2011 | February 24, 2011 | |
| Dood's Big Adventure | THQ Digital Studios Phoenix | THQ | Some | November 14, 2010 | March 4, 2011 | February 24, 2011 | |
| SpongeBob SquigglePants | WayForward Technologies | THQ | Some | April 12, 2011 | April 15, 2011 | April 14, 2011 | |
| align=left | Kung Fu Panda 2 | Griptonite Games | THQ | N/A | May 24, 2011 | June 10, 2011 | June 16, 2011 |
| align=left | Griptonite Games | THQ | N/A | September 6, 2011 | September 16, 2011 | N/A | |
| align=left | Disney Interactive Studios, Page 44 Studios | THQ | Some | November 1, 2011 | November 18, 2011 | November 17, 2011 | |
| align=left | Griptonite Games | THQ | N/A | November 15, 2011 | November 18, 2011 | November 17, 2011 | |
| align=left | Pictionary: Ultimate Edition | Page 44 Studios | THQ | N/A | November 15, 2011 | November 18, 2011 | November 17, 2011 |
| uDraw Studio: Instant Artist | Pipeworks Software | THQ | Yes | November 15, 2011 | November 18, 2011 | November 17, 2011 | |
| Disney Animator[7] | Disney Interactive Studios | THQ | No | Cancelled | N/A | N/A | |
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",[8] with the potential to be a sleeper hit during the 2010 holiday season.[9] 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."[10] USA Todays review said that "navigating with the stylus feels easy", and both the tablet and stylus handled coloring and stroke move well.[11] 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."[12] 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."[13]