Poll: Adult Industry Not Sold on 3D Yet, Select Studios Explore Profit Potential

LOS ANGELES — The 3D format may go down in modern history as the first hot technology that was not widely adopted and popularized by the adult entertainment industry, according to the results of a new XBIZ Research poll.

The market for 3D porn is limited, but select producers do stand to profit from these productions, according to the poll. The results are based on opinions of members of XBIZ.net, the adult entertainment industry’s leading social network.

XBIZ asked community members, “How will 3D impact the world of adult entertainment?”

Their responses made it clear that the industry isn’t sold on adopting the technology yet. XBIZ found that 52% of respondents say “there will be limited consumer demand, select producers will profit.” Another 29% say “there will be little to no demand,” and 19% say “it will usher in a new era of great profits for the industry.”

The industry’s lukewarm sentiment about 3D seems to mimic Hollywood, which has experienced mixed success in spite of the big numbers generated by a few 3D blockbusters such as “Avatar” and “Toy Story 3.”

Although all indications show most adult film producers, already challenged by the proliferation of free online content, won't be rushing to adopt 3D technology, a handful of top adult film studios are currently in the midst of exploring its profit potential.

Hustler Video, which received national media coverage last year for “This Ain’t Avatar XXX 3D,” last week announced it has the ability to now shoot exclusively in 3D, and it is planning an entire new slate of parodies of modern-day TV and action films using the technology.

Among the 3D titles forthcoming from Hustler are "This Ain’t Ghostbusters XXX 3D,” "This Ain’t Harry Potter XXX 3D, "This Ain’t X-Men XXX 3D” and "This Ain’t Terminator XXX 3D.”  

Meanwhile, Penthouse Video recently announced it is aggressively moving to 3D productions. The company began shooting all of its films in 3D last August and recently launched what it billed as the first 3D adult channel on Europe’s Astra Network.

In another example of a heavyweight studio investing in the format, parody specialists New Sensations in early 2010 teamed with Funky Monkey Media, which produces only 3D movies, for a parody of the James Bond classic “Octopussy.” New Sensations/Funky Monkey followed it with “Pornstar Fantasies” and “Killer Kurves” in the fall.

Whether 3D proves to be a new profit gateway for the industry over the long term remains to be seen. But one thing is sure: until there’s a strong demand for 3D porn, most of adult entertainment will remain flat for the foreseeable future. 

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees for Online Industry Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the online industry edition of the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 14 in conjunction with the XBIZ 2026 digital media conference.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees for Retail Industry Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the retail industry edition of the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony, presented by SVAKOM and Kaotik Labs, on Sunday, Jan. 11, in conjunction with the pleasure products trade show XBIZ Expo.

GutDolls Launches Brand Ambassador Program

German pleasure brand GutDolls has announced the launch of its global Brand Ambassador Program (GutDolls Botschafter Programm).

Madison Wilde, Serena Hill Topline Latest 'Bad Lesbian'

Madison Wilde and Serena Hill headline the 21st volume of "Bad Lesbian" from Girlfriends Films.

AEBN Publishes Report on POV Trends

AEBN has published a report on POV and gonzo categories from its straight and gay theaters.

Joybear Pictures to Launch 'I Really Love' Studio Imprint

Joybear Pictures has announced that its new studio imprint, I Really Love, will launch in January.

GoFundMe Launched for Veteran Lighting Director James 'NoNo' Nono

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist longtime adult industry lighting director James “NoNo” Nono and his wife, Stephanie Ross.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Life Transitions' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group on navigating transitional and liminal spaces.

Lulu Chu Stars in Latest Installment of 'Under the Bed'

Lulu Chu stars with Sophia Locke and reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber in the latest installment of Pure Taboo series “Under the Bed,” titled “The Growth.”

Nalpac Releases 2025 Winter Catalog

Nalpac has released its 80-page 2025 winter catalog.

Show More