What are we agreeing to now when we play our PlayStation 3s? For one, to take heed of Sony's advice while enjoying 3D games or movies, which the legalese-laden, newly-updated Terms of Service agreement says may cause "discomfort."
Sony's latest addition to the list of things it expects us to follow is about the latest addition to the PlayStation 3, 3D support for video games like MotorStorm: Pacific Rift and Super Stardust HD. The agreement warns that players may experience eye strain, eye fatigue or nausea while playing 3D content, that players should "take regular breaks" and that parents of young children should consult a doctor before letting them play.
That's in line with Nintendo's concerns for its next handheld, the Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime told Kotaku that it will discourage very young children from looking at 3D images. "This is the same messaging that the industry is putting out with 3D movies, so it is a standard protocol," Fils-Aime said.
It's less scary than Samsung's recent warning about the impact of stereoscopic 3D on the eyeballs of the drunk, pregnant and elderly.
For the rest of us, here's what we should expect when we're all enjoying 3D content on our new 3D TVs at some point in the very far future.
Some people may experience discomfort (such as eye strain, eye fatigue or nausea) while watching 3D video images or playing stereoscopic 3D games on 3D televisions. If you experience such discomfort, you should immediately discontinue use of your television until the discomfort subsides.
SCEA recommends that all viewers take regular breaks while watching 3D video or playing stereoscopic 3D games. The length and frequency of necessary breaks may vary from person to person. Please take breaks that are long enough to allow any feelings of discomfort to subside. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
The vision of young children (especially those under six years old) is still under development. SCEA recommends that you consult your doctor (such as a pediatrician or eye doctor) before allowing young children to watch 3D video images or play stereoscopic 3D games. Adults should supervise young children to ensure they follow the recommendations listed above.
Terms of Service [PlayStation.com]