It must have been an exceedingly strange feeling for Epic, being on the outside looking in at a type of graphics technology they couldn’t quite support in their games when they’ve spent the past decade or so setting the standard for game visuals in the industry. Even the compromise they reached with the 3D technology they did manage to implement for Gears of War 3 doesn’t seem to satisfy them.
The Challenge of Implementing 3D Technology
“It felt like something we wanted to have. It was a feature we didn’t want to be deficient in. When you look at Gears 1, it was what people used to demo HD at the time,” according to executive producer Rod Fergusson. “It’s still fledgling technology. It’s still a niche feature. But it was something we could support, so we felt, why not?” Yeah, why not?
The challenge of implementing 3D technology in video games is not a trivial one. It requires significant adjustments to the game’s engine and rendering techniques. For a company like Epic, which has always prided itself on pushing the boundaries of visual fidelity, not being able to fully support cutting-edge 3D technology must have been a tough pill to swallow. However, they decided to take on the challenge, even if it meant making some compromises.
“It’s a little bit jaggier in certain areas,” Fergusson added. Oh. Well, sub-HD resolutions will do that to a game. Chin up though, most “HD” are run in sub-720p resolutions anyway. At least this one will also have 3D.
The Future of 3D in Gaming
The inclusion of 3D technology in Gears of War 3, despite its limitations, is a testament to Epic’s commitment to innovation. While the technology was still in its infancy at the time, it showed promise for the future. The gaming industry has always been quick to adopt new technologies, and 3D is no exception.
For example, games like Avatar: The Game and Batman: Arkham Asylum also experimented with 3D technology around the same time. These early adopters paved the way for more advanced implementations in later years. The hope was that as technology improved, the jagged edges and sub-HD resolutions would become a thing of the past, allowing for a more immersive and visually stunning experience.
Moreover, the push for 3D technology in gaming also had implications for other industries. The advancements made in game development often trickle down to other fields such as virtual reality, film, and even medical imaging. The lessons learned from implementing 3D in games like Gears of War 3 could very well contribute to breakthroughs in these areas.
Despite the initial challenges, the gaming community was generally excited about the potential of 3D technology. Forums and social media were abuzz with discussions about the future possibilities. Gamers speculated about how 3D could enhance gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and overall immersion. The excitement was palpable, even if the technology wasn’t quite there yet.
In conclusion, while Epic may have felt like they were on the outside looking in when it came to 3D technology, their efforts to incorporate it into Gears of War 3 were commendable. It was a bold move that demonstrated their willingness to innovate and push the boundaries of what was possible in gaming. As technology continues to evolve, the lessons learned from these early experiments will undoubtedly shape the future of the industry.
Source Eurogamer
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