SAN JOSE, Calif. March 5, 2003 This week at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2003, Microsoft Corp. will showcase the revolutionary multimedia application development capabilities of the DirectX® 9.0 API to members of the game development community. The technical demonstrations will highlight new innovations made possible using Microsoft® High-Level Shader Language (HLSL), the advanced, easy-to-use graphics creation tool set available in DirectX 9.0.
“DirectX provides the tools to create the most vivid and technologically advanced games possible,”
said Dean Lester, general manager of Graphics and Gaming Technologies at Microsoft.
“By allowing them to create cutting-edge software without worrying about the hardware theyre creating it for, DirectX 9.0 and HLSL let developers concentrate on what they do best.”
Introduced in 1995, Microsofts DirectX API is now a recognized standard for multimedia application development on the Windows® operating system. The latest release, DirectX 9.0, features even more innovative technological capabilities, including Microsofts High-Level Shader Language. Based on the C programming language, HLSL seamlessly integrates into Microsofts developer tool set and facilitates every aspect of development, from creating lifelike animation to programming dramatic effects. Compatible with all DirectX-compliant graphics processing units, HLSL allows the definition of a similar visual effect across a wide range of graphics hardware.
Microsoft DirectX at the Game Developers Conference 2003
On Wednesday, March 5, at GDC 2003, Microsoft will present a one-day sponsored tutorial featuring the latest product and technology updates of DirectX API graphics performance optimization, vertex and pixel shaders, and HLSL.
Thursday through Saturday, March 6-8, Microsoft will offer intensive two-hour, hands-on workshops on High-Level Shader Language for experienced graphics programmers who want to know how to write and use programmable vertex and pixel shaders using HLSL. The workshops will take place in the Microsoft expo suite (No. 124).
Also on March 6, Microsoft will present five sponsored sessions. The company is the main sponsor of the Fifth Annual Independent Games Festival, which runs concurrently with the GDC. Interested parties can obtain additional details on GDC 2003 at http://www.gdconf.com/.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft, DirectX and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
For additional information on DirectX 9.0 and HLSL:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/directx/ ; http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/
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