Whether you love it or you hate it, it looks like 3D technology is here to stay. Or at least visit for a long while. I thought it would be interesting to take a look at how 3D is evolving and what us technology mad humans have to look forward to.
Ubisoft have sidled onto the 3D bandwagon with great enthusiasm (if only they could resolve their sticky DRM issues with as much zeal). The UK managing director confirmed with CVG that they are looking at bringing 3D to their triple-A titles. Incoming title, Shaun White Skateboarding, is using the tech, and Ubisoft are gearing up to give owners of 3D tech stuff to look forward to.
Last year, it was nVidia’s 3D Vision launch that really seemed to give the industry a much needed shove into all out furor. ASUS has taken advantage of the tech, launching the first 3D gaming laptop that took advantage of the nVidia tech and opened up the third dimension.
Gamers who live in the wonderful world of Warcraft are able to take advantage of its inbuilt 3D properties without doing much more than just switching settings on their graphics cards. I can’t tell you how much fun I’ve had with that particular functionality!
But it’s all go on the home television 3D front with the BBC already running a 3D department and discussing what the long term benefits of 3D could be. In a recent interview with Tech Radar BBCs head of 3D, Danielle Nagler, said that, “We are not clear on what makes good 3D and are certainly not clear on what make good 3D television. The trials we are doing are a bit like early colour – it looks interesting but there is a long way to go.”
With the first 3D televisions set to ship in September, I think perhaps the broadcasters need to find out what these benefits are quickly, before people get fed up with waiting and the trend dies down. Of course, it may be that there are no benefits and that this is just a fad waiting to implode. We all know that there have been plenty of those!
Still, the BBC do have some projects underway and apparently are looking at some way of incorporating it into the London 2012 Olympics coverage. Now that will be an interesting sight? Anyone bet they’ll be jumping backwards out of their chair in the discus throwing?
Moving back towards the gaming arena, EA are launching Crysis 2 which boasts full stereoscopic 3D and is, apparently, a quantum leap for games. Again I have to wonder if this is entirely true. For one thing, no matter how cool it is, excessive time spend playing games in 3D gives me a headache.
If you’re not entirely sure what stereoscopy is then just click the link. Then you can impress people at parties as you helpfully explain to them why 3D is the new black.
