MS: Is 3D something gamers want?

Microsoft has questioned whether stereoscopic 3D gaming is something that players really want.

While Sony has offered PS3 players a variety of 720p stereoscopic 3D-compatible games for use on 3D TVs, Microsoft hasn’t pushed the technology as much for Xbox 360.

Gamers can currently play 360 titles such as Black Ops and Avatar in 3D, but not in a full stereoscopic mode. Both PS3 and 360 3D games require gamers to wear 3D glasses.

Microsoft says it’s unsure of the demand for such a service.

There was a big rush by some other folks in the industry to convince people they want to play in 3D,” Xbox senior product manager David Dennis told Eurogamer.

You can question the motivations of why they want to make everyone go buy a new TV perhaps, but I think 3D has to fit in a natural way where it fits with the gameplay.

Something we’re watching and wanting to understand from consumers is whether this is something they actually want.

Does it add to the gaming experience? Does it distract from the gaming experience? Is it something they want to play long-term? Or is it something they try a few times and then go back to regular 2D modes?”

However, Microsoft hinted that it could develop 3D technology if the demand for it is strong enough.

You watch the market penetration of 3D TVs, you look if it’s something people are buying and you adapt and innovate, just like we’ve done by deploying different system updates and features,” Dennis added.

If there are other things we want to do with 3D that consumers are asking for, we would explore it.”