3D Gaming

Visual computing technology company Nvidia has unveiled the first mainstream 3D gaming technology at the inaugural NVISION 08 conference in San Jose, which focused on the convergence of technology with Hollywood, games and business, according to Reuters.

Using the same kind of 3D glasses technology found in IMAX theaters when viewing 3D movies, the gaming industry has come aboard the true 3D bandwagon for some of its newest entries for the PC and MAC computer gaming users.

Some of the 3D games featured at the expo for attendees were “Spore,” “Call of Duty: World at War,” “Race Driver Grid,” Devil May Cry 4,” and “Unreal Tournament 3.” Adding to the thrill of playing 3D was the use of several 73-inch Mitsubishi 3D Ready 108″0p DLP TVs and Viewsonic 3D Ready 120Hz LCD displays.

“Battlestar Galactica” actress Tricia Helfer (Six) was on hand to explain how 3D technology is influencing Hollywood. Helfer, a spokesperson for 3D technology, starred as General Kilian Qatar in Electronic Arts’ “Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars” game.

“What they’re doing with visual computing is transforming a lot of industries,” said Helfer. “I see on the set in Hollywood every day what computer technology is doing for entertainment.”

Attendees were treated to a special 3D showing of 2005 Microsoft’s PC strategy game “Age of Empires III” and marveled what the popular castle siege looks like in high-def quality true 3D.

Also highlighted were next generation multiplayer online games (MMOG) in the various new 3D technologies. Some of the games showcased for the CON were “EverQuest II,” Pirates of the Caribbean” and the ever-popular “World of Warcraft.”

“Stereoscopic technology will have gamers going back two or three years and playing older games just to see how they look in 3D,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, CEO of Nvidia. “We believe the notion of an MMO and a social network will converge and create a new type of virtual world where people can meet and hang out and just chat with their friends,” Huang added.

[Reuters Photo: shows attendees playing video games while wearing Nvidia 3D glasses at the NVISION 08 conference in San Jose, California on August 28, 2008]