Gaming industry launches 3D

05.07.2010

At E3, one of the world's largest video game conferences, 3D was the hot topic. - New technology brings both joys and challenges, says Kids and Media’s Games Manager.

by Sigrun Landro Thomassen

- The future is 3D, said Jack Tretton, CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA).

During the conference Nintendo launched its new handheld gaming system – the 3DS. The new system allows people to view games in 3D, without the need for special glasses. This is a unique technology, giving Nintendo an edge over Sony and Microsoft, whose games consoles require that users wear 3D glasses in order to play games and watch films in 3D.

Nausea and headache?
- The big news at E3 this year was the gaming industry’s focus on 3D technology and 3D games, says Odd Arild Olsen, Kids and Media’s Games Manager.

“There are some interesting issues related to this. Many people have commented that they’re getting nausea and headaches from playing 3D games. Often this happens after having tried a game for just ten minutes. What will happen if you play a game over a long period of time?” the Games Manager wonders.

”It is possible that 3D games where you don’t have to wear 3D glasses won’t have the same effect. It is still too early to tell,” says Olsen. ”It has also been claimed that it is problematical for people who are using prescription glasses to play 3D games where you need 3D glasses as well.”

The gaming world even more realistic
Another consequence of the 3D technology is a higher level of realism in games.

”A lot of 3D games for children are coming. These games are more realistic, and thus have a greater entertainment value,” says Olsen.

Some of the upcoming new games from Nintedo are Ninendogs/ -cats, Kirby and Zelda. In addition, new 3D titles with Toy Story and Shrek will be released.

A higher level of realism will also create challenges, the Games Manager believes.

”Games intended for adult players will also be more realistic. This makes it more important to focus on age limits,” Olsen warns.

3D films on 3DS
The new gaming system is compatible with old DS games, meaning that you don’t have to buy all new games. You can also take 3D pictures and watch 3D films.

“This creates an exciting possibility to watch 3D films when you are travelling,” says Olsen.

Children’s and family games with motion control
At E3, it was also announced that all consoles will have motion control devices available later this year. In September, Sony launches PlayStation Move, which in addition to motion controls uses camera technology. Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect will be released at Christmas, and Microsoft will to an even larger extent use camera technology, as well as voice recognition.

Nintendo is not replacing its Wii console in the near future, believing it can keep generating sales in the face of Sony and Microsoft's offerings.

“Most of the new children’s and family games will have motion control. Games intended for adults that have more focus on graphics, such as first person shooters, are still generally made to be played with the existing controls,” says Olsen. “This is possibly related to the gaming companies’ desire to comply with parent’s wishes that children should be physically active when playing video games.”