Not since the CD-ROM has a new technology changed so much the way developers make games and the way gamers play them. What was once called "3D" became "true 3D" when Quake was released a couple of years ago. But no matter how ingenious programmers were, rendering that third dimension would be very taxing on even the most powerful computer systems.
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The first generation 3D hardware accelerators would soon change all of that, as they demonstrated to an awestruck public what their chips could do for computer gaming. Not only could these 3D cards handle the job, they could handle it better - and faster and more convincingly.
In part one of 3D Exposed, CGW's Denny Atkin talks to developers about the issues they face when creating games to support 3D hardware. There are many different chips and APIs to use and support. Although the end result might mean a great game, getting there can be difficult.
In part two, Denny talks to designers about their experiences with this next generation of 3D hardware and what it will mean to the future of gaming.
The last part will help you understand what 3D hardware means to you the gamer and how to help you choose the card that's right for your gaming needs.
So get ready to delve into the third dimension of computer gaming.
Part 1:
How 3D improves games, why 3D gives gamers and developers headaches, and how all those little polygons get in there in the first place.
Part 2:
Interviews with developers who have recently had a "3D experience." We talk with people from the Jane's Longbow 2 team and the Dynamix Red Baron II team.
Part 3:
Loyd Case provides expert advice on choosing which 3D card is right for you and what to watch for when you buy it.
