Lesbian Gamers and Geek look at 3D video games and TV viewing

Lesbian Gamers HQ recently acquired a spangly new 3D HD LED from Samsung. We of course ‘needed’ this at LG HQ for research purposes, or how else could we bring you a report on true stereoscopic 3D gaming…. yes, we’re very, very giving. So what have we scoped about this new way of gaming and viewing? Stick around, because we’ve got the lowdown on 3D games and gaming, as well as how 3D might affect your lesbian geek and lesbian gamer TV viewing pleasure.

3D Gaming as it presently stands
At time of writing, there is no true stereoscopic 3D gaming on consoles. Sony has however made tentative steps towards updating PS3 firmware to coincide with the release of their upcoming Bravia 3D TVs. The latest update preps the PS3 for the new 3D features, but as there is no software available at present, it is merely an update in preparation for the future. A further update is needed to allow the PS3 to play stereoscopic 3D Bluray discs. So if you’re wondering does the PS3 play true 3D Bluray, we tested it and the answer is, yes it does, for approximately 5 minutes, before seeming to overheat and then cutting out… interesting.

Do you have to wear glasses to view true stereoscopic 3D games and TV?
Yes. There’s no getting around this fact sadly, but it really isn’t that big of a deal. Samsung are presently offering 2 sets of glasses with the TV and a further 2 with a free 3D Bluray player… not bad. That’s 4 sets right off the bat (and you can buy various design additional sets, even some specifically designed for children). The 3D glasses are battery operated and the detail is fairly astounding.

So what’s the point if nothing is in 3D?
The point is everything is in 3D, but currently only forced / converted 3D. The Samsung 3D LED offers up 2D to 3D conversion on the fly. This essentially means regular TV viewing and video / DVD / Bluray viewing is converted to a sort of fake 3D in real time. This is impressive stuff and it actually works regardless of the source (the Samsung 3D TV even streams wirelessly from your computer, so if you have movie files…. you’re sorted). This is where gaming also enters into the equation, because despite no 3D games being available, this on the fly conversion works for games as well.

What do converted 3D video games look like?
I wish there was a way to post pictures of what games look like in converted 3D format, because it is awesome. We tested a few games and the results were always impressive. The ‘tutorial’ level at the start of Uncharted 2 was magnificent in converted 3D and this really shows that true stereoscopic 3D games will be fantastic. We weren’t really that excited by 3D games at Lesbian Gamers HQ, it all seemed a bit of a gimmick (we just needed a new TV and thought, ahh might as well get the newest), but now having played some in 3D, we can’t wait to see what the actual programmed 3D experience will bring – it’s hard to imagine it any better.

Is 3D gaming a fad?
According to a recent CEA survey a quarter of all gamers are interested in 3D gaming at home. Some analysts believe gaming will actually push forth the uptake of 3D TV growth overall. The problem with it is unless you’ve tried it, it sounds silly, so our advice is, head to your local electronics store and sweet talk them into giving you a 3D demo, then you’ll probably want to get out your checkbook.

What is the 3D movie release schedule like?
This is where things get lame. At time of writing there is one — yes ONE — true stereoscopic 3D movie available at retail. That movie is Monsters vs. Aliens and it comes free with the Samsung 3D TV purchase. James Cameron’s 3D masterpiece Avatar recently released on Bluray and is not in 3D format… lame. The 3D release of Avatar is rumored to hit in November. Despite this lack of true 3D Bluray releases, remember that 3D conversion works regardless of the source, so you can still enjoy your present movie collection in 3D, it just wont be quite as good as true HD 3D Bluray when those are eventually released.

The lesbian geek gamer in me loves 3D, but should you go there?
I would not lead you astray, but I can only write this from a complete geek / gamer perspective, so I’ll add the following helpful points as to whether you should consider upgrading to stereoscopic 3D.

• Are you thinking of purchasing a new high end TV anyway?

If the answer is yes, why not go 3D. You’re essentially buying in as an early adopter, which means you know there will be upgraded models incoming, probably sooner rather than later (with the next Samsung set scheduled for August). If you know this and don’t care, then, go for it.

• Do you mind there’s frak all true stereoscopic 3D Bluray releases?

If you’re waiting for there to be a shed load of true stereoscopic 3D Bluray to purchase, you’re not going to want to purchase a 3D TV this year.

• Is it true 3D glasses make your eyes sore?

Is it true staring into a TV for 20 hours straight makes your eyes sore? The point being, anything overdone is going to make your eyes sore. Photosensitive folks aside, you should be able to use the 3D glasses with little problem for regular viewing / gaming habits. Looking at a TV when it’s in the path of direct sunlight behind it, will irritate your brain, because the glasses switch extremely fast and there’s some definite flickering evident.

• Do the games really look 3D in the 2D to 3D conversion?

Yes, some strikingly so, which is frightening given these aren’t written in 3D, think about just how awesome that is when it comes to ACTUAL games made in 3D!

We hope you’ve found this article helpful. Any questions just pop them in the comments and we’ll do our best to respond.

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4 Responses to “Lesbian Gamers and Geek look at 3D video games and TV viewing”

1. jamie says:

   May 3, 2010 at 4:14 pm

   interesting article. i’ve been looking for info on the 3d bluray release schedule and its grim as mentioned. companies need to wait for uptake to move units.

   do you find any problems with the ps3 hooked to the samsung. i know you cant compare to the sony bravia 3d as its not out yet, but any issues?
2. Thisliddlepiggy says:

   May 3, 2010 at 9:35 pm

   Will you be publishing a release schedule for 3D Blu-ray disks in Australia and America? Also if you could do a 3D Blu-ray release schedule for multi-region that would rock my socks.

   All the bullshit about it hurting your eyes is garbage, I’ve been watching loads of 3D TV and nothing has happened. The direct natural light does play havok, so just move the TV somewhere it’s not in its path.
3. spotticus says:

   June 6, 2010 at 3:45 am

   I just purchased a sony bravia tv to replace my 25 year old sony trinitron (affectionately known as “The Beast”). I looked at the 3-D tv’s, and I have to say I was underwhelmed by the 3-D effect. The glasses were ginormous, and the 3-D looked more like 2 layers of 2-D. I was reminded of the old Max Fleischer Popeye cartoons, where the background animations appeared to move more slowly than the foreground action to give the impression of dimension. At the store the 3-D tv was showing a soccer game, and to me it just looked like there was a foreground moving at slightly faster speed than a background layer. Maybe in another 10 to 15 years, when I need to replace the new bravia, I will consider 3-D.
4. Link01 says:

   September 19, 2010 at 5:50 am

   I’m waiting for Black Friday to pick up mine