Nov 12, 2007

The launch of Windows Vista also marks the release of the new DirectX 10 API, which means better gaming experience. Looking at some of the screenshots, I would say that the future of DirectX 10 looks promising.

To help gamers (and BGCG readers) to understand more about the DirectX 10, I am writing up a short 3 weeks ezine course that give you an insight of DirectX 10. There will be some technical jargons along the way, but I will try my best to keep it really simple.

Meanwhile enjoy the first of the 3 weeks course:

For those who have no idea what is DirectX, it is simply a set of programming interface (API) provided by Microsoft (also known as Direct3D) that game designers used to create 3D effects. The API determines how the game images are drawn and displayed on the screen. DirectX 10 is the latest generation of the Direct3D family. According to Microsoft, DirectX 10 is a complete redesign from the DirectX 9 architecture and could deliver better 3D effects and game performance.

DirectX 10 Compatibility

For Windows XP users who are keen to explore the new DirectX 10, you are going to be disappointed. The reason being, Windows XP cannot run DirectX 10 due to the significant change in graphics API and driver model. Simply put, if you want to use DirectX 10, you have to buy Windows Vista.

In addition, for current DirectX 9 users, it may come as a sad news that DirectX 10 is not going to be backward compatible. It is a standard practice that newly launched software should offer a backward compatibility to help their users make a smooth transition. However, Microsoft made no effort to make DirectX 10 backward compatible with DX 9. If you want to play your current DirectX 9 game on a DirectX 10 platform, you have to play it via an additional software layer, which means slower performance.

Benefits of DirectX 10

On a positive note, the redesigned DirectX 10 has more rigidly defined specifications, which means there is more consistency among the various hardware. Rather than worrying about the compatibility of the hardware, game designers can now focus more on the features they want to implement.

Also, DirectX 10 allows better resources management and load balancing between the CPU and GPU. This means that the graphics details can increase exponentially without increasing the CPU load, which leads to better graphics and faster gaming performance.

Games That Support DirectX 10

The following games are those that currently support DirectX 10

• Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures
• Alan Wake - BioShock
• Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway
• Call of Juarez
• Company of Heroes
• Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
• Crysis
• EVE Online
• Far Cry 2
• Flight Simulator X: Acceleration
• Gears of War
• Guild Wars 2
• Hellgate: London
• Lost Planet: Extreme Condition
• Starcraft II
• Universe at War: Earth Assault
• Unreal Tournament 3
• Warhound
• World in Conflict

In the next issue of BGCG ezine, we will review the various DirectX 10 graphics card in the market and find out for you which one is the best for your money.

Meanwhile, happy gaming.

Damien