Microsoft still not sure 3D has any value for the Xbox 360

To 3D or not to 3D? That is the question that Microsoft is asking itself. While competitors Sony and Nintendo are pushing 3D in the living room and on the go respectively, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 has yet to actively support the extra layer of depth. According to Xbox senior product manager David Dennis, the company is taking a wait and see approach before putting its full weight behind the format. Dennis says that Microsoft will not implement 3D in the 360 until 3D proves its staying power and gamers demand it.

“3D is an interesting space,” he said. “There was a big rush by some other folks in the industry to convince people they want to play in 3D. 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.”

What does it mean to be natural? Perhaps 3D without glasses? Perhaps 3D as not an “enhanced” feature, but as the only default? Frankly, although there are a few games that do support 3D on the Xbox 360, Microsoft is not touting it as a feature for selling Xbox 360s. It also doesn’t help that the games that gamers would actually play in 3D such as Halo and Gears of War aren’t in 3D on the console.

Raymond Wong
Categories: Gaming
Tags: 3D, 3d gaming, Microsoft, Xbox 360