By: Chella Ramanan
As games budgets continue to reach for the sky, developers are looking for all the help they can get. Following on from GIN's interview with Microsoft's Dean Lester at last year's ECTS, Chella brings the latest on Microsoft's gaming for Windows initiatives at ECTS 2004. The release of Direct X 9.0 means developers can create cutting edge graphics, special effects and environments for PC gamers to enjoy.
The latest consoles are coming to the end of their life-cycle and anticipation is already growing for the next generation. Meanwhile, the PC market is leading the way in terms of capability and the new wealth of titles is showing off just what a powerful platform the PC is. As the games industry matures, budgets are getting bigger, which means it's more important than ever for people to make money on the games once they are on the shelves.
Chris Donahue, lead technical evangelist, developer relations, Windows gaming and graphics, explains, "The price of games has stayed the same over the last 20 years, but the amount of money put into development is going up and up.
"Games are getting more and more complicated and gamers are expecting more for their $49.99. As a result, developers are spending more time building tools and frameworks, leaving approximately 20% of development on actually creating games. Direct X 9.0 is going some of the way to help change this by providing developers with access to tools, minimising the time on construction, freeing-up time on creativity."
Both Doom 3 and Far Cry show the great features of the API, such as detailed movement on vegetation and the ability to create incredible special effects. Half-life 2, Stalker and Sims 2 are some of the most anticipated games on any platform and all use Direct X 9.0 to great effect.
Donahue continues, "With high quality titles like these using Direct X 9.0, PC gamers have a lot to look forward to. This a great time for consumers to realise that they already own the most powerful games machine around. At Microsoft we are committed to encouraging more people to discover gaming on their PC. We are making PC gaming easier and more accessible than ever, removing some of the mystique that has previously kept people away."
A new Games for Windows logo has been created to replace the old PC CD logo, making it clearer to Windows users looking for a game or two. Microsoft has also developed Games Adviser on its website, to make, finding, playing and buying games as simple as possible. An online auto scan facility tells users whether a game will run on their system; if it does they are offered a "buy now" option. If upgrades are needed, Games Adviser will list the necessary items.
"There are millions of PC users, but when it comes to games there are still large numbers that never get further than Solitaire or Minesweeper," concludes Donahue. "We are helping gamers get the most from their PCs and encouraging more people than ever to take advantage of the great games out there. Through Direct X 9.0 we are helping developers concentrate on creativity and deliver more immersive gaming. We will continue working with development teams to ensure customers have the best experience."