DirectX 12 will be revealed this month

Microsoft is to lift the lid on the next iteration of DirextX at GDC later this month.

The partners named on the teaser site are AMD, Nvdia, Intel and Qualcomm.

What that leaves us with are questions. DirectX versions often tend to launch alongside new Windows releases, so does that means Windows 9 is in the offing this year?

Plus, will it require this new Windows? Will it be compatible with the still popular Windows 7? Some DirectX 11 features are already locked behind a Windows 8 compatibility wall.

In addition, it had been previously rumoured that both DirectX 12 and a new OpenGL will be designed specifically to rival AMD’s Mantle API in terms of the amount of performance they open up for developers. Is that going to be something Microsoft is open about?

For nearly 20 years, DirectX has been the platform used by game developers to create the fastest, most visually impressive games on the planet,” the description for the March 20th GDC presentation says.

However, you asked us to do more. You asked us to bring you even closer to the metal and to do so on an unparalleled assortment of hardware. You also asked us for better tools so that you can squeeze every last drop of performance out of your PC, tablet, phone and console. Come learn our plans to deliver.”