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View Full Version : DirectX 10 will be better for physics, but not great


Das Capitolin
07-28-2006, 06:43 AM
Some overhead


By Fuad Abazovic: Thursday 27 July 2006, 19:37

DIRECTX 10 IS being built to solve many game developers' problems. And one thing is for sure, it will make things easier with physics, but unfortunately some limitations are here to stay.
DirectX 9 doesn't yet have its physics 'A' level. For example, you first have to create a 3D box and set its vertices and pixels and, even when you render it, you still cannot manipulate it on a physics level.

Once you make the 3D box, you need to use the Ageia Physx chip (or something like it) to physically design the box and only after that can you play with, move, fiddle with or break your 3D box.

DirectX 10 will automatically create the 3D box and a physics box and will make the implementation of physics much easier than before. DirectX 10 can do some incremental physics and is introducing the geometry Shader that will help mimic the real-world physics of rigid bodies.

However, DirectX 10 will still inherit some overhead problems of the old DirectX. It will very much depend how you use it and how you implement it. µ


Sourced: http://uk.theinquirer.net/?article=33262

tomato
07-28-2006, 06:55 PM
Sure DX10 will support the PhysX cards, but will the manufacturers make use of the option... will the extra R&D be worth it to them if only a handful of gamers make the leap?

Das Capitolin
07-28-2006, 07:03 PM
Sure DX10 will support the PhysX cards, but will the manufacturers make use of the option... will the extra R&D be worth it to them if only a handful of gamers make the leap?

The idea of Physics in a game is still unknown to most of the gaming population. Only the most informed and involved gamers are even aware it exists; which I would estimate as less then 10% of the gaming population.

This said, it is nearly a waste to expect much from manufacturers.