3D Innovators Gather at X-Summit for Content Development, Research Session
2011-10-17
As stereoscopic 3D becomes a more standardized feature in HDTVs, desktop displays and handheld devices, it’s presenting new opportunities for content developers.
For the gaming industry, however, many of the practices being followed are based on 3D cinema research, rather than video game research.
So a new industry organization is holding a series of free presentations to look at the best practices in S-3D game play, including issues related to comfort, effectiveness, and overall experience for both developers and end users. The free X Summit session takes places on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at The Carlu in Toronto.
It’s being put on by iGO3D; the presentations will include console and PC demonstrations using a wide range of 3D displays and technologies. Presentations will look at the consumer response to 3D; the latest 3D gaming research; 3D for game developers and more.
Interactive Gaming Ontario 3D (iGO3D) marks the latest collaborative effort among educational, industry and government partners to drive the growth of the province’s digital media content industry.
iGO3D’s primary partner is the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), where Dr. Andrew Hogue, assistant professor, Faculty of Business and Information Technology will serve as iGO3D project leader.
The organization has received some $635,000 in funding from provincial and academic partners.
iGO3D’s research efforts include investigative issues related to comfort, effectiveness, audio and how the stereoscopic viewing experience impacts game play from both the player’s and developer’s perspectives.
Other aspects of iGO3D’s mandate include development of a game test facility, further S-3D vision and auditory research with a view to establishing game design parameters and disseminating this information to Ontario’s gaming industry through focused webinars and conferences.
“We thank the Ontario Media Development Corporation and Ontario Centres of Excellence for their investments in this important and timely initiative,” said Dr. Michael Owen, associate provost, Research at UOIT. “The collaboration between universities, colleges and industry partners will create an advantage for Ontario’s gaming industry, enhance their competitiveness and provide learning opportunities for our students who will be the next generation of game developers and entrepreneurs.”
In addition to UOIT, additional partnering institutions include York University, the University of Waterloo, University of Western Ontario, the Ontario College of Arts and Design University (OCADU) and George Brown College. Industry partners include The S-3D Gaming Alliance (S3DGA), Electronic Arts Canada, Bedlam Games, Big Blue Bubble, Digital Extremes, Interactive Ontario and Junction VFX.
“Modern 3D video games are designed according to research done on 3D movies and gamer opinion studies are telling us this isn’t the right way to go,” said Neil Schneider, executive director, S3DGA. “Ineffective stereoscopic 3D viewing negatively impacts hardware sales, game sales and ultimately customer satisfaction. iGO3D will provide us with the ability to change all that with repeatable research and direct industry involvement.”
While iGO3D was founded as a research platform for stereoscopic 3D games on desktop displays and 3D HDTVs, efforts are in place to add a specialized division for mobile 3D gaming markets on smart phones, mobile gaming devices and tablets. Interested game developers and technology enablers are encouraged to contact the S3DGA for available iGO3D partnership and sponsorship opportunities.
The S-3D Gaming Alliance (S3DGA) is the official voice and standards body for the stereoscopic 3D gaming industry. Its mission is to ensure stereoscopic 3D gaming’s long term adoption and quality success in the consumer markets.