Possible to translate DX calls->different hypothetical API via hypothetical wrapper?

[Anarchist420]

I've been wondering if it's possible.

I was hoping that one day Windows will die, but that could be nothing more than wishful thinking due opensource always suffering from Microsoft's patent protections.

I also have a related question in another thread, so any answers to that too would be highly appreciated

 

[BFG10K]

Of course; this is exactly what Wine does (wraps Direct3D calls into OpenGL, among other things).

 

[Lonyo]

Yup, and it's how a number of DX games are ported for use on OSX as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TransGaming_Technologies

 

[Anarchist420]

Okay thanks. Is there anyway to force an FP32 z-buffer when using an nvidia GPU? How do games that used the W-buffer behave with it?

Also, what does it do for 16 bit color? Does it force 32 bit color (or can you choose, unlike in windows) or does it look the same as on Windows?

 

[Anarchist420]

bump

 

[Anarchist420]

bump.

 

[Idontcare]

bump

bump.

Super annoying. Please don't do this. If your thread is answerable then someone will come along in good time and answer the question.

 

[Anarchist420]

I'm sorry. When is an appropriate time to update it?

 

[Idontcare]

I'm sorry. When is an appropriate time to update it?

When in Rome...you'll notice the VC&G community here doesn't really do bumping, regardless the time that has passed.

If you've something to add to the thread then by all means add it at any time.

As a matter of netiquette, considering the community you are interacting with, I'd say anything more frequent than a daily "bump" post would be viewed as annoying by the community.

There's no hard rule on it though in VC&G, just look around and you'll see what the expected rules of etiquette entail.

A thread like yours, which is rather technical in its topic, might generate a response every two or three days in this forum. Try as you might, the frequency of poster contributions won't get much higher than that IMO.

 

[brybir]

When in Rome...you'll notice the VC&G community here doesn't really do bumping, regardless the time that has passed.

If you've something to add to the thread then by all means add it at any time.

As a matter of netiquette, considering the community you are interacting with, I'd say anything more frequent than a daily "bump" post would be viewed as annoying by the community.

There's no hard rule on it though in VC&G, just look around and you'll see what the expected rules of etiquette entail.

A thread like yours, which is rather technical in its topic, might generate a response every two or three days in this forum. Try as you might, the frequency of poster contributions won't get much higher than that IMO.

Agreed. Your initial question was an easy one to answer, but your follow up question is more technical in nature and likely beyond most of the frequent posters in this sub-forum. You would likely have better luck in the highly technical section if you are looking for more specific answers.

 

[ViRGE]

Okay thanks. Is there anyway to force an FP32 z-buffer when using an nvidia GPU? How do games that used the W-buffer behave with it?

Also, what does it do for 16 bit color? Does it force 32 bit color (or can you choose, unlike in windows) or does it look the same as on Windows?

As far as I know, there's no way to force Z-buffer depth.

Though I'm curious what you're playing with that you want to force a 32bit Z-buffer upon.

 

[Anarchist420]

I thought a complementary FP32 Z-buffer was a good substitute for the w-buffer.

I plan on playing Enter the Matrix, Rayman 3, Slave Zero, and PoP3D. 10 years ago, I used to have the DC version (known as Arabian Nights) of PoP3D and got really close to the end, but never finished. I don't know if PoP3D used the wbuffer, but I know that there would be serious depth artifacts with a 24bit zbuffer and severe banding without 32 bit RGBA forced.

For PC gamers, there is really no good reason (that I can think of) not to give them the option to force any format the hardware supports.

Is it nvidia and ATi's decision to disallow the end user from selecting any format the hardware supports, or does Microsoft require nvidia and ati to not put necessary options in their windows drivers?

I know that a long time ago, they both used to have all the options necessary in their drivers, but they took all of the compatibility options out. I was thinking someone could make a tool that would give someone the option to force any color and depth format, but it hasn't happened yet. I'd certainly give a generous donation to anyone who would do so.