windows-7 posts

One of the big problems with Windows Vista was the fact that Microsoft's next-gen 3D graphics API DirectX10 was exclusive to the OS. That was likely the big reason why game developers were reluctant to offer a lot of DirectX10-supported games since the audience for such games would be limited. The release of Windows 7 last week brought out a new version of the API, DirectX11, but Microsoft promised that it would make an apperance on Vista.

That time has apparently come as a new automatic update for Vista has now implemented DirectX11 support for the nearly three year old OS. With two versions of Windows now supporting DirectX11 we expect game developers will embrace using the API in their games than they did with DirectX10.

[Via Blue's News]

This past Thursday, Microsoft's latest PC operating system, Windows 7, was finally made available to the public via upgrades or new PC's pre-loaded with the OS. We've already talked about what PC gamers should know about Windows 7 and given you a history of Windows PC gaming. We've asked if you should even upgrade to Windows 7 and even given you the opinions of many game developers if they think Windows 7 will boost PC gaming. Now we want to do some speculation and maybe give Microsoft some advice on how they could take the opportunity to improve PC gaming now that they have a fresh new OS to play with.

Check out our ideas for Microsoft after the jump:

As part of the Windows 7 launch, Microsoft opened up the first retail Microsoft store on Thursday in Scottsdale, Arizona (a second store in California will open next week). In addition to selling items like PCs, Xbox 360s, Zunes and the like, That VideoGame Blog has posted up word that Microsoft are selling PC games in their new retail location, but in a rather cool manner.

Instead of a boxed product you go to a kiosk in the store and select which PC game titles you wish to buy. After you pay for your games, a store employee then creates the disk, case, insert and game manual in the back of the store and hands them to you. The entire process supposedly takes just a few minutes. Perhaps GameStop should consider such a move. It certainly will allow them to offer more PC games than anemic few titles they have in their stores right now. We also wonder why Microsoft failed to mention this rather cool feature in their own promotions about the Microsoft Store.

[Via Joystiq]

We were wowed by the interactive video table used in the original R.U.S.E. trailer, and a real-life version of it was used to demo the game at E3 2009. However, it looks like Ubisoft doesn't just want to tease us with cool technology. It was recently revealed that R.U.S.E. will be the first game to support multitouch input through Windows 7. Although we can't be certain that using a touch screen would necessarily make the game any easier, it's certainly fun to watch.

Download HD R.U.S.E. 'Multitouch' Trailer (54 MB)
Check out all R.U.S.E. downloads

Today, lots and lots of PCs are being sold and many other are getting their upgrades to Microsoft's newest OS Windows 7. Every reviewer agrees that Windows 7 is a massive improvement over the buggy and performance poor Windows Vista. But will the launch of Windows 7, and its parallel launch of the DirectX11 gaming graphics tech, be a boon or a bust for PC gaming?

Big Download decided to contact a number of game developers to get their comments about the launch of Windows 7 and how, or even if, the new operating system will be a benefit for the PC gaming industry. As you will read opinions are extremely varied from one spectrum to the other. We want to thank all of the people who responded to our inquires.

Windows 7 launches officially in stores and inside new PCs today and Ubisoft used the occasion to announce that their upcoming RTS game R.U.S.E. will be one of the first major PC games that will use Windows 7's native touch screen features.

The WWII-themed strategy game was first introduced earlier this year via a trailer that used a fictional touch screen interface to show off the game's unique RTS features such as no fog of war and using deceptive units to throw off opposing players. At E3, Ubisoft showed the game being demoed on a table that used Microsoft's Surface touch technology. Today's announcement means that any PC running Windows 7 with a supported multi-touch monitor will be able to manipulate R.U.S.E. on the screen itself instead of just the usual mouse and keyboard set up. R.U.S.E. is currently scheduled for a first quarter 2010 release date.

[via email press release]

The PC port of DiRT 2 will be one of the first games to support DirectX 11, making it "the best looking racing game that has ever existed." Judging by the tech demo shown above, it's hard to argue with that. The DiRT 2 tech video demonstrates extensive use of Tessellation, which is "implemented on the GPU to calculate a smoother curved surface resulting in more graphically detailed images, including more lifelike characters." It also compares the DX11 look to DirectX 9.0c.

However, players will need to upgrade to Windows 7 (DX11 for Vista will be released at a future unspecified date) and ATI is currently the only manufacturer to have DX11 cards available. Players will have some time to save up and take advantage of these features, since DiRT 2 for the PC won't be releasing until December.

The official DiRT 2 for PC trailer can be seen after the jump.

Download HD DiRT 2 DirectX 11 Tech Video (98 MB)
Download HD DiRT 2 PC Trailer (65 MB)
Check out all DiRT 2 downloads

It's the day before Microsoft unleashes Windows 7 to the world at large and their latest operating system for PCs has gotten a lot of praise compared to Windows Vista, which was released with tons of performance problems and compatibility issues.

But what if you want to upgrade your existing PC or even buy a new one? The big question for you is whether an upgrade to Windows 7 is right for you. We try to give you the 411 in this latest feature.

With the October 22nd release of Windows 7 just a week away, Big Download is taking a look back and previous versions of Microsoft Windows and follow the long (sometimes painful) evolution of PC gaming.

In less than three weeks, Microsoft officially releases Windows 7, the newest version of their PC operating system (although some PC makers could sell Windows 7-based rigs before the official October 22 launch date). After nearly three years of dealing with the last release, Windows Vista, all indications are that Windows 7 will be far more accepted by the public in general and PC gamers in particular.We can also expect far more support from game developers for the new OS.

If you are a PC gamer, chances are you have already tried out the release candidate for Windows 7 or are waiting for the final release. But there may be some things that you don't know about Windows 7 that you need to be aware of before making that final upgrade. Here are a few items that you may need to keep in mind: