The world of 3D tech has come a long way in its life time. Since those red and blue glasses first found their way to our theater seating in the mid-20th Century, experiencing media in three dimensions has become something that we almost take for granted. With 3D televisions quickly becoming a regular addition to many households, there is one arena that is still in its infancy: gaming.
But it’s actually been possible to enjoy video games in three dimensions for quite some time, and it’s in no way a new concept; however thanks to companies like Sony supporting their 3D televisions with 3D-enabled games on their PlayStation 3, it’s now becoming a possibility in every living room. And let’s not forget about 3D offerings from Microsoft (on PC and Xbox 360), and even family favourites Nintendo. So let’s take a look at exactly what you need to know in order to enjoy full 3D gaming from the comfort of your own home.
3D Gaming on the PC Platform
Since the 1990s, the computer graphics company Nvidia have been working on stereoscopic 3D technologies that can be used in PC games. Up until 2008, there wasn’t much movement in terms of a commercial release; but when Nvidia 3D Vision was released, that all changed.
3D Vision is essentially a kit that allows players to wear a special pair of 3D glasses to play a number of games in stereoscopic 3D. The system only works with games that use the Direct3D technology, and there is a varying level of success. Some players report that the 3D is superb in all games, others say that only certain games take full advantage of the technology.
One great example of such a game is 2010’s Crysis 2. This game was actually developed to include a 3D mode for use with kits just like 3D Vision. At present, the use of 3D gaming systems like this is fairly limited, and we’re still waiting for a real ‘boom’ in the use of such kits on the Windows platform.
3D Video Games on Consoles
Home consoles seem to be the next target for the 3D treatment, and in fact it has already started in some respects. Sony’s PlayStation 3 already has a built-in output for a full 3D effect, and there are rumours that the Xbox 360 will be getting the same type of stereoscopic effect.
Sony’s method involves a stereoscopic output via HDMI in 720p HD using a twin framebuffer. Glasses need to be worn so that the two images being outputted by the console can be merged to create the 3D effect. Sony’s range of 3D TVs already fully support this feature on games such as Killzone 3. It needs to be activated via a menu option, but it’s most certainly there. And, if we’re to believe popular opinion, it already works very well.
Now Microsoft and Nintendo need to play a little catch up (although there’s been no word from Nintendo on a 3D effect for their series of Wii consoles).
3D Gaming in the Palm of Your Hand
Unless you’ve been living under a rather large rock, you can’t have missed Nintendo’s latest entry to the handheld market, the Nintendo 3DS. Its key selling point is that it allows players to enjoy games in full 3D without having to wear glasses. Any 3D aficionados will tell you that wearing glasses isn’t too much of a problem when you’re at home in your comfy chair; however it’s a little trickier when you’re on the train. For that reason, the 3DS is really revolutionary.
The effect itself uses a stereoscopic technique via two screens on a zig-zag plane. The player’s eye line is almost always the same because the device is handheld, so this works well; however it’s doubtful that 3D without glasses will be a reality for televisions any time soon. Thankfully, those of us who have already invested in 3D televisions are more than happy to enjoy the experience with the glasses on – most of them don’t look half bad.
The Future of Gaming in Three Dimensions
If the world of cinema is anything to go by, there’s no doubt that gaming will continue to head towards the 3D arena. With the introduction of 3D on consoles, the PC technology, and the handheld 3D, it’s clear that the first steps have already been taken to a future of gaming in three dimensions.
