This is often performed for a more realistic audio environment, actively implemented in cinema sound systems, technical theatre, home entertainment, video arcades, computer gaming, and a growing number of other applications.
Many popular surround sound formats have evolved over the years. They include ambisonics, quadraphonic, Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, and DTS.
There are methods of using 1-dimensional (stereo) output to emulate a surround environment.
Emulation Methods
Surround sound is not limited to placement of speakers along a flat plane. Vertically-located audio sources can be considered.