Microsoft to debut DirectX 12 at GDC 2014

Microsoft is to debut the next iteration of its DirectX API at a special session at GDC this month.

DirectX 12 is to be detailed by Windows Graphics development manager Anuj Gosalia at a sponsored GDC session called ‘DirectX: Evolving Microsoft’s Graphics Platform’ on March 20th.

A description of the session on the GDC schedule reads: “For nearly 20 years, DirectX has been the platform used by game developers to create the fastest, most visually impressive games on the planet. 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.”

DirectX is used by hundreds of video games, handling an assortment of tasks related to multimedia, programming and video.

The API also has additional components, such as Direct3D, which focuses on drawing 3D graphics. At GDC, Microsoft will also demonstrate its plans to improve this service in a session with Windows Graphics development lead Max McMullen.

"Come learn how future changes to Direct3D will enable next generation games to run faster than ever before," the session’s description reads. "In this session we will discuss future improvements in Direct3D that will allow developers an unprecedented level of hardware control and reduced CPU rendering overhead across a broad ecosystem of hardware."

There are also eight additional sessions planned for DirectX 11, which made its debut in October 2009.