Guillemot: 50% of games will be in 3D by 2012

Ubisoft's CEO Yves Guillemot has said that he estimates around 50 per cent of console videogames will be available in 3D by 2012.

Speaking to investors last night following the release of the company's full year financial results, he said that discussions with 3DTV manufacturers had been positive and he expects 3D to grow rapidly over the next couple of years.

"The 3D games are going to come more and more with the TV screens that are available. We did Avatar last year and the experience was enhanced by the 3D experience. On 360, PS3 but also maybe on portable machines," he said. "So we can count on substantial growth on the 3D aspect just because it's more immersive.

"I think next year we should maybe see 15-20 per cent of games that will be 3D on next-generation consoles. And then the following year it will be 50 per cent."

The publisher was one of the first to release a 3D game last year, with the tie-in to James Cameron's Avatar beating sales expectations after an initial slow start.

3D gaming is to feature prominently at E3 next month, with a number of franchise upgrades expected from Sony, which has already shown titles such as MotorStorm, Wipeout and Gran Turismo running in 3D.

Nintendo has said that it will show its 3D handheld, the 3DS, at this year's event. It does not require special glasses to view the 3D effects.

Although quieter by comparison, Microsoft has also made 3D noises, with at least one of the blockbuster franchises associated with the Xbox 360 platform expected to be shown in 3D next month.