Gamers give stereoscopic 3D thumbs-up

Meant To Be Seen has revealed the preliminary results of its U-Decide initiative, which has been designed to gauge consumer interest in stereoscopic 3D technology.

The results of two surveys, revealed at the 3D Entertainment Summit in Los Angeles this week, show that most gamers remain optimistic about the potential of stereoscopic technology, which is already successfully integrating with the film industry.

One survey was designed for those that do not yet own any stereoscopic enabled entertainment devices, while another targeted the customer base that has already invested in technology such as screens and glasses.

The U-Decide initiative, which is still ongoing until January 1st 2009, reveals that only a minority of 2D customers think that 3D is tacky or uncomfortable. While almost 26 per cent of respondents think 3D is a “must have” technology, over 65 per cent find it “intriguing”. Around four per cent feel 3D is “tacky”, and over five per cent think 3D “sounds uncomfortable.”

Meant To Be Seen, the organisation that promotes and supports the stereoscopic industry, has also found that gamers are less opposed to many elements of 3D technology than those more interested in viewing broadcast television.

“3D is often judged before being seen. We wanted to learn how far apart the opinions were of traditional 2D and experienced 3D customers so our industry can have a reasonable measure of where we are, and how far we can go. Currently, the number of completed surveys is nearly equal between the customer types, and this makes the data invaluable,” said Neil Schneider, president and CEO of Meant to be Seen.

“The customers have spoken, and it is clear that game developers have a real consumer need that requires answering. These findings will help them get it right the first time,” he added.