News: Microsoft doubtful of 3D

Vice president of Microsoft Game Studios, Phil Spencer, has expressed some doubt as to the continuing trend of gaming in stereoscopic 3D, saying it feels more "like a science experiment" than something that will succeed in the mainstream market.

In a recent CNN interview, Spencer talked about Microsoft's stance towards 3D. The company's Xbox 360 console can support the technology, with it being available in the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops, but he said Microsoft won't be seeing it as a key feature like Sony has done with the PlayStation 3.

He went on to note the current lack of 3DTVs in homes as a barrier to the technology saying, "as an entertainment company, we're trying to do things that millions of people can go enjoy today, people just don't really have TVs in their house right now that are going to do 3D in a way that's going to work."

He did state however that the company would be looking into the technology in the future. "Clearly, we're not going to ignore 3D. I think it is something that will play a role in entertainment."

But if Microsoft decides to take the 3D plunge, it seems it would prefer a no-glasses solution. Speaking on the Nintendo 3DS, Spencer said, "I like the 3DS because you don't have to wear the glasses."

"A bunch of people sitting around the living room wearing $150 glasses – I'm just not sure that's kind of mainstream today. Trying to get a bunch of people playing together in a room where not everybody sees the same thing... is kind of a weird disconnect for me," Spencer said.

We have to agree with Spencer on the disconnect issue, imagine playing a fighting game with friends where only those who are wearing 3D glasses at the time can see what's going on, not that great.

Microsoft seems to be remaining sceptical of the glasses technology at this stage, time will tell whether an alternative no-glasses solution will see the light of day for the Xbox 360.

Microsoft doubtful of 3D

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