Gamernode: News - Ubisoft moving to develop 3D video games

Ubisoft moving to develop 3D video games

Category: Industry, Posted: 06/02/2008 at 05:21PM CDT by Frank Ling, Editorial Director

With the present gen game consoles emphasizing better graphics and unique game interfaces, we have to wonder what's next in the evolution of gaming. Some industry voices have given the opinion that 3D gaming will be the next frontier.

Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft, not only believes this; he is heading the company into producing 3D content for movies, books, a television series, and video games. But there is a catch to seeing these wonderful pieces of media on your television--you'll need a special TV to view the content.

Guillemot explained, "The deal is to build a 3D experience on top of the normal experience. Avatar (the movie tie-in game) will have both. It's with glasses on a specific TV. I've seen it--it's amazing. No. It doesn't work on normal TVs. It means we will see an evolution on the TV. They are already in Best Buy in the US. You can already buy these TVs."

3D movies have been with us since the 1920's with a surge of popularity in the 1950's. Although interest was high during that time, 3D has always been seen as a gimmick and has never really received a lot of mainstream acceptance. But if this new tech could be integrated into video games without a lot of fuss and bother, it could mean a new era of gaming experiences never seen, literally, ever before.

The big question is whether or not other game companies will join in the experiment. If Ubisoft's commitment to 3D games proves successful, it just may open the door for others to follow.

Imagine, Gears or GTA in 3D. We can only dream for now.

[via eurogamer]

Posted by El on 06/02/2008 at 05:40PM

It probably won't ever leave the gimmick phase, mostly because you're limited in colors and look a little goofy with the glasses on.

Posted by Psyborg on 06/02/2008 at 08:05PM

You also look a little goofy waving around a little plastic stick at a fat little plumber in primary colors, but nobody seems to balk at that.

Posted by Disc0 on 06/02/2008 at 10:04PM

The whole red/blue glasses are actually pretty much deprecated now, even in theme park rides and such. You can use polarizing filters or glasses that switch from clear to opaque black, alternating between each eye. With 120hz televisions, and these glasses operating at 120hz, you could theoretically have 60fps video output in full 3d, with no color limitations. Not sure if it'd effect brightness, but this might be what they're talking about.

A few manufacturers have even made working prototypes of 3d displays that require NO glasses. I don't really know the tech behind it, but we've definitely made it beyond red and green filters. I think this might actually be a pretty big step forward if it catches on, although it'll be tough to get people to invest in the tech as early adopters.

Posted by El on 06/02/2008 at 10:28PM

Her Disc0, you're a pretty well-spoken opinionated man, why aren't you posting on the forums?

Posted by snake0iler on 06/03/2008 at 01:39PM

The TV's in question are here http://www.dlp.com/hdtv/3-d_dlp_hdtv.aspx and use polarized lenses, apparently pretty cool but I have not seen one yet, they are not in any Best Buy near me, I guess Yves lives next to some pretty high tech Best buy.

Posted by cowboynwo on 06/03/2008 at 08:28PM

3d is okay but life like maye be better to where your actualy in the game or gettin a long vacation of playing some sports. and forget that your in your room or even still on earth. now that whould be cool. 3d seems okay but not great just okay.

Posted by sig220 on 06/03/2008 at 10:23PM

what I think would be immersive would be a helmet of sorts that would replace your monitor or TV. You would still use the controller and console. It be more like your really there instead of just looking at a screen. It really doesn't seems that far-fetched.