14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft Game Studios' corporate vice president, Phil Spencer, recently talked about 3D technology and said that while he doesn't think there is a market right now, due to the expensive 3DTVs and the glasses required to experience it, Microsoft will pursue it.
Spencer revealed that while 3D gaming is becoming more and more important, with many new titles supporting the technology, including Call of Duty: Black Ops, he doesn't see it as all that necessary to invest in right now.
According to the executive, 3D isn't all that mainstream due to the pricey nature of 3D-capable TVs and the glasses which people must wear to experience the 3D technology.
"As an entertainment company, we're trying to do things that millions of people can go enjoy today," Spencer said. "And for better or for worse, people just don't really have TVs in their house right now that are going to do 3-D in a way that's going to work."
But while the current 3D tech may not interest the Microsoft executive, the Nintendo 3DS, which doesn't require glasses to experience 3D, does make him excited.
"I like the 3DS," Spencer said, though he hadn't actually seen it firsthand. He likes the concept because "you don't have to wear the glasses."
Spencer didn't miss the chance to poke some fun at Sony, which is using the PlayStation 3's new 3D capabilities to push their Bravia 3DTVs onto the market and their required glasses.
"As a corporate mandate, I don't need to sell you a new TV," Spencer said, seemingly referring to Sony's hardware business. "That's not part of my business model. Other companies maybe have that part of their business model. I don't."
Still, even with all of these disadvantages, Microsoft will continue to develop technologies and offer support for 3D on the Xbox 360, like it did with the special Batman: Arkham Asylum version which had 3D support and bundled glasses.
"It felt a little more like a science experiment than something that's going to go touch millions of people," Spencer said of the Batman game.
"Clearly, we're not going to ignore 3-D. I think it is something that will play a role in entertainment."
Do you think 3D will become increasingly crucial in the gaming market or does the high price that comes with it prevent plenty of people from adopting it?