The
Sega Activator was an octagonal
game controller for the
Sega Genesis that used
infrared screen like beams to interpret movements. The Activator was placed on the floor, and the player stood inside the octagon, punching and kicking to break the light beams and send signals to the Genesis. There were upper beams for hand moves and lower beams for leg moves. It was marketed as a new type of
martial arts simulator. The light beams were also easily distorted by a non-flat ceiling, or obstructions, such as beams of a ceiling fan or light fixture[
citation needed]. It did not see much commercial success[
citation needed]. Few games were designed to be used with it, including
Eternal Champions,
Mortal Kombat and
Comix Zone and could also be used as an alternative to the standard 3-Button controller.
The Sega Activator was based on a musical instrument called the Light Harp conceived by musician and martial artist Assaf Gurner (also president of "Interactive Light Inc.")[
citation needed] It was brought to market by Interactive Light under a licensing agreement with Sega.[
citation needed]