Graphics Rendering

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

There has been some discussion in other topics about graphics. Let's have a chat about the various basic graphics usage.

Because my graphics processor handles OpenGL (3.3.11005 Compatibility Profile Context), I prefer that DirectX be forgot. I can tolerate DirectX, because I can load a library which will convert its calls to OpenGL, but I would prefer to avoid any extra overhead.

Everyone who reads my posts knows, also, that I prefer to avoid things that lock the program to a specific operating system. DirectX is a Microsoft lock-in. I see no reason why EA Maxis should allow themselves to be caught in this trap.

I have an AMD/ATI 780G chip set (Radeon 3000). This is one of the AMD fusion processors.

[Mark Waybill 242]

I have a 2010 Pavilion dv6 laptop with intel core 17, ati mobility radeon premium graphics and directx11, with windows 7 as shipped.

Don't know about cores and so forth but a large city in SC4 plays slowly on fast speed (i.e cheetah speed feels like turtle speed, but turtle speed runs ok) However in my largest city, an almost fully covered large tile called Malpeton which is partially inspired by London in various ways, there is some lag, but not too bad.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

^ An example of using DirectX in a much more crowded situation than expected with the new product.

Have you tried running with OpenGL? The game option for it is -d:OpenGL. Make sure you have the GLUT library before you try it. I don't find it very well programmed, but I am not running windows.

[croxis 150]

Because they are supporting windows xp we know it can't be directx 10 or 11, unless they make dual versions (see: civ v). So it is either 9 or at least opengl 3.

[el_roy1985 0]

Haven't knowingly used OpenGL since the first Driver game came out. Seemed to do a fairly good job of graphics rendering too. If I remember correctly, it also improved my graphical experience with other games I played at the time. So considering that experience, Opengl sounds like the way to go.

[croxis 150]

opengl adn directx are not quite the same thing. OpenGl is graphics only. Directx is graphics, audio, keyboard/mouse, and probably some other things. DX is generally more attractive and, from what I have read, better graphics API than opengl 3-4.0

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

You might want to take a look at the OpenGL site. In particular, this article on the front page might enlighten you.

[croxis 150]

Thats great I already know about it. It isn't part of the OpenGl package. Never underestimate the desire of people in charge having things in nice pre made packages. It is also *only* on the front page as a news item which is very telling. One more news post and it would be off the front page.

  Edited April 6, 2012 by croxis  

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Did you open the link? They seem to be ready to move this over to 3.0 and beyond. Also, if you only used pure packages, we would all be coding in assembler.