Microsoft and Sony may be preparing for a full-court press on motion gaming come E3, but according to some (as reported on MCV) the future is in 3D. Everyone’s waiting to see what can be done with Natal and Move, but publishers are looking to 3D as the next big driver of software sales. Nintendo is unveiling their 3DS portable system and Sony will be showcasing a number of 3D PlayStation 3 titles in tandem with their new Bravia 3DTV line.
Leading firms say that motion gaming will continue to aim at the casual market, but 3D gaming will be the go-to for the more advanced hardcore market.
“What we are trying to do in the 3D space is part of a cross-Sony initiative. We’ve realized, particularly for a younger audience, that games can be an easier way for people to engage with 3D than movies,” said SCEE CEO Andrew House. “This will be on the cutting edge of gaming for the next year or two. If Avatar taught us one thing in an age of globalization, it’s that when consumers embrace something it moves quickly. This is definitely a wave of the future and one that we intend to ride.”
“Natal and Move are two new tools, but I don’t think either are the next revolution of games,” said Namco Bandai Partners chief Olivier Comte. “I believe the next revolution will be 3D. I have tested some 3D games and I think it is a big change.”
Publishers are gambling on 3D being as big a hit in the gaming market as it has been in the film world. Cineworld reported a 17% increase in box office proceeds, largely due to the 3D movies. Television is also jumping into the fray, with Discovery, ESPN, and Sky all launching channels with 3DTV programming. On the hardware side, Sony is launching big worldwide with their Bravia line of 3DTVs and they expect to sell 2.5 million units before the year is done.
It’s not all 3D roses, however, as some publishers remain cautious of the technology. EA Sports has been running trials, but doesn’t feel the technology adds to their existing lineup.
“We are looking at 3D but there are challenges. I’ve seen a number of our games running in 3D, and we’re learning that we can’t take the existing camera angles. You have to get lower and have depth of field to actually see it,” said Peter Moore, EA Sports President. “You’ve got to look at things differently than just porting to 3D, because 50 percent of what you are seeing you can’t even tell it’s 3D. I’m not sure it adds value to the experience.”
“The use of 3D needs to be meaningful to the gamer and publishers will need to ask questions,” concurs Take-Two CEO Ben Feder. “Will it draw players further into my world? Will it change how they interact with the game? Will it make the title more fun and keep the player engaged? The answers need to be ‘yes’ for them to fit into our strategy of being a leader in innovation and quality.”
3 Comments
June 4, 2010
Back in the day, I played a 3D arcade racing game at the pizza place. The kind with the red and blue lenses you looked through. It was kind of cool seeing parts fly at you when you crashed, but not all that much to make it really cool.
If all 3d does is make things pop out, it doesn't add a whole lot. However, if you could see around a 3D object or at least see the object from a different angle by moving your head - that would add a lot! Especially for FPS's.
I havn't played a newer 3D game nor did I walk across the theatre while watching Avatar, but I suspect that it looks pretty much the same no matter what angle you're viewing it from.
June 4, 2010
I think it all hinges on Killzone 3 at E3, since this is the first hardcore, graphically demanding game to utilize it. If it impresses, it may just steal the crown, but if it disappoints 3D could stall for a few years, or, never take off.
Seems like the responses have already been mixed.
June 5, 2010
@ RoyalWulff
The new Stereo-3D is much, much better than the Anaglyph (red/blue) glasses.
The new 3D is two truely different perspectives being streamed to each eye.
Some films still go for the gimmicky, "fly at your face" shots, but films such as Avatar and Alice in Wonderland are more like looking through a window. Avatar is the best for a demonstration of the 3D we have now and 3D used properly.