DX versions

[MADe]

So,
I am using a dx11 OS, dx10 gpu's, and flying AH in dx9.
Should I install dx9c or does the game provide all required dx 9 files?
TY

[Skuzzy]

You do not need to do anything.  DX9 is supported by DX10, and DX11 as well.  Heck, many DX7 games still work.

[Denniss]

But some game require recent DirectX .dll files which are not always delivered with the OS or the games requesting them (even Win8 does not seem to have a full set of the latest files).
Microsoft offers a DirectX webinstaller to download and install these files for you.

[Skuzzy]

For the module that matters, we install it into the game installation folder.

[Torquila]

I know its a bit far-fetched, but have you guys considered that they (Microsoft) may do something silly in the forseeable future and drop dx9 compatibility or atleast depreciate it to the point of ruin?

[Skuzzy]

I know its a bit far-fetched, but have you guys considered that they (Microsoft) may do something silly in the forseeable future and drop dx9 compatibility or atleast depreciate it to the point of ruin?

They still have support for DX5, DX7, and DX8 in the latest version of DirectX.  As DX9 was/is still the most popular version of DirectX being used by games, it is doubtful it will disappear any time soon.

If you are a game company, wanting the broadest coverage possible, you have to have a DX9 version, as that is the last version for Windows XP.

[Torquila]

Yea, but have you tried to run any of those games?

They crash on load because of depreciated/altered functions.

(even for xp)

You seem to have a jaded image of them supporting dx much better then their normal products.

MS is not a game centric company, despite all the show and tell.

Do you remember what they did to the games industry in general by going from win95/98/Me to XP?

Whos to say they won't do that on a whim again?

I dislike MS as much as any other person here, but its best to see them for what they really are! (a company that does what it wants, when it wants)

[Skuzzy]

Yes, I run a few DX7 games, on Windows 7 64 bit.  They run fine.  If other games were still in active development, they could still be using any version of DirectX back to 5, if they wanted to.

Games no longer in development, which depended on deprecated Windows functions can no longer run under the current operating systems.  Has little to do with DirectX.

I have been dealing with Microsoft since the company was founded.  I am well aware of their practices.

[Torquila]

But it has everything to with this nasty beast of burden this game is built atop.

One that requires careful watch and keen eyes.

I have yet to see a solid reason why a dx10.1 mode or even a dx11 mode "ontop" of the current dx9 base is not a valid option. Many newer games keep the dx9 path for lower end systems *while* maintaining a higher detail path through dx11 simultaneously.

Unless of course such things would provide some solid gameplay advantages over the other?

[Skuzzy]

I am not going to get into the overhead of supporting different DX versions in one binary.  The graphic pipeline is different in DX10, and later, from DX9.

The risk versus the gain is simply does not make any sense.  The needless bloat the game would pick up does not make any sense.

I have yet to see a solid reason why a a limited version of DX should be supported.  One day we will have to migrate.  It is up to us to manage that, and we will.

We just celebrated 14 years at doing this game.  I like to think we have a pretty good handle on managing the game.

[Torquila]

Skuzzy, you don't sound like much of a programmer if you are one. I know you are the community manager and the network tech but thats not the kind of attitude of a programmer!

We don't use fancy words to excuse lacks, we just find a way if its possible, if it ain't; we just keep it up our sleeve for another time when it is or lay the groundwork for the possibility later!

If you are a programmer please forgive my insolence, but maybe time has gotten to you like everything else it touches including the game.

[Skuzzy]

Does not matter if I am a programmer or not.

There is not a good business reason to migrate to DX10 (or later).  None.  If there were, we would already be there.  Who said anything about not being prepared?  You need to quit trying to put words in my mouth and quit making assumptions about what we do here for our future.

And no, I will not forgive the personal attack.  30+ years in programming, starting with Z80 assembly language.

[MADe]

I had read something about installing 9c to cover those files not present in 10 and 11, but I also assumed that hiT would supply those they specifically needed. Shame things got this ugly over "my" question.

Ultimately the DX version doesn't matter. Theres bluesky, or trees and planes, thats all. Most times your book'in so most is just a black/grey blur.

My only peeves are use of "stick stirring", and how switching views seems always disorienting, distances appear to change, angles.
Both of which can be minimized and improved. This a different discussion tho.

Skuzzy, I do have 1 question tho. Is HiTech gonna make a new game that utilizes some modern tech and techniques?
In 14 years things have changed exponentially. I ask cuz I would really like to see this type of game format as real time as possible. its the spontaenity of live time combat I enjoy. So I want as many barriers as possible removed. You could make it truly holographic and I'd still prefer the real time gameplay.

[Skuzzy]

Your question covers a large area.  You need to be a little more specific about what you are wanting to see.  It is about as real time as it can get, at the moment.  The only thing holding us back is the whole speed of light thing.  We are at the mercy of the Internet.  That technology is not in our hands to control.

There will always be areas which will be made better.  We have to cater to a very large audience which includes the Intel video chip (68% of the marketplace).

[MADe]

Being more specific, is HiTech gonna create another product, same type game, as current, soon. Or are y'all gonna ride the current game into the grave?

I briefly beta tested WoP, not the type of game I wanted to see. Small server player numbers and super PC eye candy.
It really is about live time for me, those decisions made based on immediate threat, involving ww2 planes.
Less client prediction/ lag comp, smaller packet sends more often........................ I know your networking is good, but, make it better, please. lol
I want it to feel like offline mode, immediate, there.