Microsoft's big PC gaming plans - tech
(hx) 12:30 PM CET - Mar,11 2003
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According to GameSpot, DirectX 9 will be the last DX release for a while, as
Microsoft focuses resources on making bigger improvements for PC gaming in
Longhorn, including introducing a standard controller. At GDC, they had a chance
to sit down with Dean Lester, the head of Microsoft's Windows Graphics and
Gaming division, to hear about the software giant's major new project to make
the PC a better gaming platform. Lester acknowledged that two or three years of
the company's attention was focused on launching the Xbox, but he said that
now it's the PC's turn. The PC gaming initiative has support from "Bill and
Ballmer" on down, and it's enough of a priority that there are some 200 people
working on it. Basically, Microsoft will make improving the PC gaming experience
one of the central appeals of Longhorn, the next major version of Windows that's
expected in about two years.
As has been rumored, Longhorn will likely include a major overhaul in Window's visual presentation, which may include 3D interface elements. Lester also said it would include a special "My Games" view that would centralize all the matchmaking, control panel settings, patching tools, and game lists and make such tasks much simpler. Microsoft is working on streamlining a number of current technical trouble areas, like the installation process and display drivers, and will centralize game updates through a Windows Update-like patch server. It's also looking into making it possible to run Windows games directly from the CD without installation. Somewhat more straightforward features include adding sophisticated matchmaking into Microsoft Messenger and parental controls over which users can play certain games.
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Updated:12:40 AM CEST Jun,21
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