The future of graphic APIs

Joey Fladderak · 2013-07-19T02:10:16

Hey people, I am in the (pre)process of making a 3D engine/framework to fool around in. This is mainly a learning thing for me at the moment, but I do want to keep an eye on the future. Most likely this thread will be more of a "rubber ducking" thing rather than a "Help me choose" thread, but I value good argumented opinions. Now one of the bigger choices I am facing is whether to use OpenGL or DirectX, but I am not entirely sure which one would be the best pick with the future in mind together with learning new stuff. The thing is. I made a couple of 3D frameworks for smaller assignments and I used ("modern") OpenGL for that, giving me an advantage over the fact that I already know a good deal about it, but in terms of using the graphics API in itself, there is less to learn in contrast to DirectX, which I only really was able to scratch the surface of in the past with D3D9. One of the things that I am wondering about however is the future of both of these APIs. From sources I am not sure I am allowed to mention, I heard that NVidia is experimenting with ditching the graphics APIs as a whole and instead lets us program the graphics card directly. I am also not sure how valid this is, it can also be something misinterpreted. I also noticed that some companies (like valve) started switching to OpenGL for the sake of multiplatform compatibility and I don't really see DirectX going multiplatform anytime soon (if ever). Also with the exception of the xbox consoles, I think most of the consoles use OpenGL or something more similar to OpenGL. What do you think the future has in store for us? I did google a bit, but I can't really find any nice articles of the direction of graphics APIs for the (near) future. What would you choose to do if you are chasing a career in graphics programming? Expand your knowledge to a broader spectrum, or go more in depth with what you already know?

Graphics and GPU Programming Programming OpenGL

Started by WhiskyJoe July 15, 2013 12:46 PM

19 comments, last by wodinoneeye 10 years, 9 months ago

wodinoneeye

1,691

July 19, 2013 02:10 AM

What do you think the future has in store for us?

OpenGL ES.

The install base (smart phones, tablets, embedded devices and WebGL) already dwarfs the install base of either DirectX or desktop GL. Plus, through judicious use of libraries, it runs anywhere DirectX does.

Does it offer all the latest and greatest features? Not yet, but it's catching up. And how many games actually require DX11, anyway?

SmartPhones (and SmartWatches are coming) seem too tiny (dsiplay) to me to really see half of whats being displayed (as we use a PC) -- realistic lighting - if only I could actually see it (without plastering it to my eye)...

Tablets/WebGL - 2 generations of hardware further probably (power usage issues) but will be at least visible and big enough physically

Display SmartGlasses ?? by next decade might make all the rest obsolete

--------------------------------------------[size="1"]Ratings are Opinion, not Fact

The future of graphic APIs

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The future of graphic APIs

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