Why You Should Use OpenGL and Not DirectX

stickyboot writes "The independent games developer Wolfire describes why they decided to use OpenGL instead of DirectX. The article mainly discusses the marketing strategies behind DirectX and how the API became so popular. It also goes over why a developer would choose OpenGL over DirectX and what this decision means for the gamer. 'Back in 1997, the situation was similar to how it is now. Microsoft was running a massive marketing campaign for Direct3D, and soon everyone "just knew" that it was faster and better than OpenGL. This started to change when Chris Hecker published his open letter denouncing DirectX. Soon after that, John Carmack posted his famous OpenGL rant, and put his money where his mouth was by implementing all of Id Software's games in OpenGL, proving once and for all that DirectX was unnecessary for high-end 3D gaming. This lesson appears to have been forgotten over the last few years. Most game developers have fallen under the spell of DirectX marketing, or into the whirlpool of vicious cycles and network advantages.'"

Comments

Re:Reality Check From A Real Game/Graphics Develop

[sopssa]

Please tell me how many companies care about the niche market of 0.1% of Linux users? How many Linux games do you see? And don't even get me started how much bitching there would be if the "bad" companies wouldn't open source their games when releasing Linux versions.

Also, you need to develop the games differently to PS3, Wii, Android and iPhone anyways. Or do you think they run the same PC version?

Also, many games that work on Windows and use DirectX work on Mac also. While technically using CrossOver, they still do.

Actually, the more I read your comment its making me think you're being sarcastic with all the fading Windows gaming market and "teenage Windows only coders". Funny how you got modded up.

Re:OpenGL and the rant about marketing

[thejynxed]

If this is true, that they don't care, then maybe those developers should stop posting their crap all over Freshmeat, SourceForge, and similar sites for other people (READ: Normal Users) to download and use. Since you know, it's "something they made just for themselves."

Usability is part of software development, even if you are only sharing the program with your sibling or best friend. Maybe some "developers" need a kick in the ass to realize this fact.

And so many OSS developers wonder why their projects implode, or otherwise miserably fail compared to their commercial counterparts. THIS.