PC Gamers Strong-Armed Into Vista
If you want to get everything out of the next generation of PC games, you're going to have to upgrade soon.
Being a heavy PC gamer means keeping up with technology by shelling out massive amounts of money for new video cards. But from next year, if PC gamers want to get the most out of their games, they're going to have to upgrade to Microsoft's new operating system, Vista.
Want Halo 2 on PC? Be prepared to cough up for VistaMicrosoft confirmed this week that Direct X 10 would be supported in Windows Vista only and not in the more common Windows XP.
"DirectX 10 is exclusive to Windows Vista," a Microsoft representative told Next Generation. "However, Windows Vista will support DirectX 10 and DirectX 9."
The move means that anyone hoping to get the most out of the next generation of PC games that make heavy use of the Direct X 10 tool set with need to upgrade to Microsoft's long-delayed operating system when it is released next year.
With the Xbox 360 now on steady ground, Microsoft is giving renewed attention to PC games that includes the new Games For Windows brand. One of the bigger games coming exclusively to Window Vista is Master Chief's second campaign in Halo 2. The game is expected to launch alongside Windows Vista in January.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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