TLDR;
This video explains what DirectX is, its importance in gaming, and its evolution. DirectX is an API that acts as a middleman between video games and hardware, standardizing commands and features for game developers. It addresses the compatibility issues of the past when games had to be coded for specific hardware. DirectX is also the foundation for Xbox, simplifying game porting between Xbox and Windows. Modern Windows systems come with DirectX pre-installed, ensuring older games run smoothly.
- DirectX is an API that standardizes communication between games and hardware.
- It solves compatibility issues by providing a common interface for developers and hardware manufacturers.
- DirectX is the basis for Xbox, facilitating game porting between Xbox and Windows.
- Modern Windows systems have DirectX pre-installed, ensuring compatibility with older games.
Introduction to DirectX [0:00]
DirectX is an Application Programming Interface (API) that serves as an intermediary between the software code of video games and the hardware used to play them. Without DirectX, playing video games would be a more complicated process. DirectX standardizes the commands and features that game developers can request from computer hardware. It acts as a translator between the game and the hardware, ensuring seamless communication.
The Problem DirectX Solves [1:02]
In the past, video games communicated directly with hardware drivers, which meant developers had to write code for each individual product or product family. This led to compatibility issues, where even widely supported hardware couldn't guarantee that a game would work. DirectX solves this problem by setting a standard for hardware and software features that compatible hardware must have. Developers write their games to be compatible with DirectX itself, ensuring that any game and hardware component designed to work with a specific version of DirectX will work together.
DirectX and Xbox [2:48]
DirectX is the "X" in Xbox. The original name of the Xbox was DirectXbox, which accurately describes the console's foundation. The first Xbox was built with PC hardware running a version of Windows and DirectX. This remains true for the latest Xbox Series X and S consoles. A major benefit of this is that porting games between Xbox and Windows is simplified because they are effectively the same platform.
DirectX and the User [3:36]
In the past, users had to manually install DirectX. Games would often bundle the necessary version of DirectX, and the installer would skip installation if a newer version was already present. Windows 10 and 11 come with DirectX pre-installed, ensuring that older games run without issues. Each DirectX version, such as 9c, 11, and 12, is its own entity, but Windows includes copies of them to maintain compatibility.