DirectX and the Influence of Video Games on Software Development

Language Spanish Portuguese

The world of software and video games has been transformed by the innovation and leadership of key figures in the industry. Among them, Gabe Newell, Craig Eisler, and Alex St. John have played fundamental roles in the development of technologies that have changed the way we interact with games and software applications. In this blog, we will explore their contributions and how DirectX became a pillar in the development of video games and software.

The fragmented era of PC games

Since the dawn of computer games, developers faced a monumental challenge: the lack of standardization in the field of graphics and sound. In the 1990s, when the diversity of graphics cards and hardware was overwhelming, the need arose for a unified solution to simplify game development on the Windows platform.

At that time, each graphics card and sound device had its own set of instructions and methods to access multimedia resources. This caused market fragmentation, where games had to adapt to various hardware configurations, resulting in enormous complexity for developers and an inconsistent experience for players.

The birth of DirectX and Doom for Windows

It was then that Microsoft took control of the situation and gave birth to DirectX, an innovative solution that would revolutionize the Windows gaming industry. In its early steps, DirectX faced its trial by fire when it was used for the port of the legendary game Doom for Windows, showing its potential to deliver a solid and consistent gaming experience across multiple devices.

DirectX and the vision of the Xbox

As DirectX matured, its influence extended beyond the personal computer. Microsoft saw the opportunity to take its gaming expertise to a new level by using DirectX as the foundation for its entry into the console market. This vision culminated in the creation of the Xbox, a console that adopted the capabilities and compatibility that DirectX offered in the Windows environment.

Programming with DirectX: standards and a unified ecosystem

This is how video games drove software development and changed the paradigm forever, creating the first SDK for Windows. DirectX was not only a response to the need for standardization in the gaming industry, but also became a catalyst for innovation in software development. With its introduction, developers were able to overcome the barriers of diverse hardware and make the most of users’ machines.

The vision and effort of pioneers such as Gabe Newell, Craig Eisler, and Alex St. John, together with the Microsoft team, shaped an ecosystem where video games and software could thrive together. The influence of DirectX extended beyond PC games, reaching consoles and establishing a new standard in the industry.

Bibliography:

• Daws, R. (2020, December 14). DirectX creator Engstrom dies aged 55, leaving behind a game-changing legacy. Developer Tech.
• Willetts, S. (2020, July 27). How DirectX defined PC gaming… with help from a shotgun-toting Bill Gates. PC Gamer.
• White, B. M. (2023, September 2). The Birth of Windows Gaming. Abort Retry Fail.

In the “History of Software Engineering” course at Jala University, we thoroughly explore the evolution of software engineering, covering its history, pioneering figures, and key moments. A fundamental goal of the course is to avoid a monotonous approach. For this reason, the instructors have innovated the teaching methodology, giving students a central role: the creation and publication of an online blog.

In this blog, students are responsible for developing a specific topic related to the subject. This project culminates with a presentation at the end of the course by each team, followed by an interactive question and answer session. In this way, we foster a dynamic and participative educational experience, allowing students not only to learn about the subject but also to develop essential skills in communication and analysis.

This article was written in Spanish and has been translated into English and Portuguese with ChatGPT.