Comfortable 3D Stereoscopy in Video Games:

Design Precedents

Patrick VinceDigital Interdisciplinary Practice

Some images & videos in this presentation require the use of

Anaglyph glasses

Introduction• Early Stereoscopic Console Games• Modern Stereoscopic Console Games• Key Innovations• Researchers

Early Stereoscopic Console Games

• Add-on to the Sega Master System

• Released in 1988• Shutter Glasses

Technology• Failure due to

console updates

SegaScope 3D

Early Stereoscopic Console Games

• Stand alone console• Released in 1995• Monochrome red

display• Very uncomfortable• Massive failure• Only on the market

for 6 months

Nintendo Virtual Boy

Modern Stereoscopic Console Games

• Developed for Xbox 360 & Playstation Network

• Several Stereoscopic modes and settings

• Side scrolling gameplay

• First 3D game for next-gen consoles

Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao

To view 3D put glasses on

Modern Stereoscopic Console Games

• Developed for PC, Ps3 & Xbox 360

• Requires a 3D Ready TV or monitor

• Impressive 3D environment

Avatar: The Game

To view 3D put glasses onClick here to view a 3D video on YouTube

Key Innovations

• Released in 1998• First Stereoscopic Driver for the PC• Over 160 Games playable in 3D• No extra work needed by the game developer

Metabyte: Wicked3D

Key Innovations

• In 2001 Nvidia release their stereoscopic driver• Supported more forms of 3D and graphics cards• Enhancements in game technology made it less compatible

Nvidia

Key Innovations

• Created at a time when CRT monitors were being phased out. Not compatible with new LCD screens.

Nvidia

Key Innovations

• In 2006 IZ3D release 17” monitor that’s 3D compatible• Uses 2 LCD panels sandwiched together• Supported by Nvidia drivers used on CRT monitors

IZ3D

Key Innovations

• In 2008 MTBS & IZ3D release first direct x 9 stereoscopic drivers• Supports post-processing effects on Nvidia & AMD graphics cards• Before only 20% of the market was compatible now around 60-70%

MTBS

Key Innovations

• In 2007 Zalman creates Trimon 3D monitors using polarised LCD Technology

• Nvidia drivers support direct x 10 including post-processing etc.• Only supported Vista• Nvidia sponsered by Zalman to support only their monitors

Zalman

Key Innovations

• Uses 2 screen panels that allocate pixels to each eye

• Autosteroscopic 3D effect • No need for glasses• Releasing old and new games developed for 3D• Nintendo stock up 10% upon the first rumour

Nintendo 3DS

To view 3D put glasses on

Researchers

• Constantly looking to enhance the 3D effect

• Re-designing glasses

Nvidia 3D Vision

Researchers

• Andrew Oliver (CTO)Blitz Games Studios

• Patrick Naud (Executive Producer)Ubisoft

• Neil Schneider (Executive Director)

S-3D Gaming Alliance

Conclusion• Plenty of methods including:

o Shutter Glasseso Nintendo’s auto-stereoscopyo Anaglyph Glasseso Polarised lenses

• Most successful 3D games are ones developed to be stereoscopic, such as:o Avatar: The Gameo Invincible Tiger

• Prototype is going to test various methods and technology

• We hope to achieve a clear understanding of best and most comfortable way to view stereoscopic 3D in games through our prototype.