Windows Vista, which is spearheading Microsoft's big new PC gaming initiative, launched in the UK this week. Our readers have been venting their thoughts on the new operating system, DirectX 10 and Microsoft's plan to put a rocket up the backside of PC gaming in our forums...
The majority of readers who have given their opinions on Windows Vista over the last few days want to hold back from purchasing the new operating system immediately. Some want to wait until they can afford to perform a complete upgrade on their PCs, while others have stated they won't take the plunge until a Vista-only PC game they really want to play is released. Several also expect Microsoft to have to plug several 'holes' in the software, and are reticent to part with their cash for that reason.
Advertisement:
funkyjack: "No, I don't see the point in using Vista yet, I get a decent Vista score, but my sole reason for upgrading to vista would be for DX10, and for this it also means upgrading my PC, the cost of which is too high at the moment. Since most games will also be coming out in DX9, and I haven't seen the killer reason to upgrade to DX10 yet, I am happy to wait for a year maybe more."
falloutwarchief is in a more positive frame of mind about Windows Vista though: "I already spent loads on my Intel Core 2 Quad 2.66GHz which is sitting here beside me ready for... when I'll install it, blank my hard drive and do a nice fresh Vista install... Then I just have to wait for ATi to bring out the R600 so I can upgrade to a DX10 card (I know the 8800GTX is out already, but I'm thinking ATi will out-spec nVidia with the R600 - they'll have to) and have a PC that'll run anything I can throw at it. All I'll need to do then is wait for some DX10 games..."
DirectX 10 arrives with Windows Vista, and unsurprisingly Microsoft is making a big song and dance about the new version of the technology and how it'll take PC gaming to the next level. And when you look at games like Crysis, you surely have to agree. Readers are divided over DirectX 10 though, a mixture of excitement and doubt over its arrival.
Sir_Loin_Ofsteak says of DX 10 that "it looks like it will be shiny, and I do like shiny...", and opinion echoed by Dogen_D_Derrible: "As for DX-10 itself, it brings t'nu shiny, what more needs to be said!"
"I am quite excited by the potential DX10 brings with it," moby_matt says, "but I am also concerned that this is yet another upgrade path - especially since it doesn't encourage developers to exploit every possible tool DX9 (and all previous incarnations) has to offer. I remember a time when the hardware would have every last drop wrung out of it, and clever routines would have to be written to do the almost impossible. Anyone remember the first time they heard the Spectrum produce multi-channel sounds when it wasn't designed to be able to?"
SaBrE_UK reckons that "As exciting as it is, DX10 won't allow much more than new graphics in games so I'll be holding out for a while as we [should] buy games for gameplay, not 'graphicsplay'."
"One thing playing retro games teaches you, is despite the hype, DirectX has never made huge jumps in the quality of gaming. It's just that gamers have short memories! I remember still playing DX7 games when DX9 came along, I didn't install it and then see 5 times the speed or 3 times the graphics quality or anything!", says humorguy. "To utilise DirectX 10 you will need a DX10 card. So again, how will any of us know how much of a difference DX10 is making? All I know is that with Vista and DX10 my card isn't going to cut it, and I just found out my soundcard isn't going to cut it either! Added all up that means a £500+ spend for me to go Vista, and I can't afford it."
It's a similar mixture of opinions that's greeted Microsoft's general big PC gaming push its making with Windows Vista and the new Games for Windows brand. jonny_p66 says "I love that it is focused on games and I think Microsoft pushing PC gaming can only help with the games".
Pygmemam, on the other hand, is both excited and scared about the fact that Microsoft is "going to use the PC as a gaming platform". "Excites because anything that has the expertise and money of Microsoft behind it is going to improve and become a real success. But I am worried as, if the PC is to become more commercial for games, we could see dumbing down of the games released and less new risky ideas taken that the PC has originally been birth [birth?] to."
Dogen_D_Derrible says "The whole Games For Windows thing has me intrigued, mainly because there are still so many unanswered questions."
"I've started to see some of the new displays (really just new stand headers, not the all singing all dancing media displays as promised) and the odd new title with a 'branded' box, but I think it won't be until - or if - people start to use the new hardware scoring system and the Live Anywhere service that we'll really get an idea of how much input/support MS is willing to make. I do dislike the idea of one entity placing control over the PC though and if MS have visions of 'owning' the PC as a gaming platform then I'll be at the front of the crowd waving a renegade flag."
Do you have strong opinions on Windows Vista, DirectX 10 and Games for Windows? Let your voice be heard in our forums.
