In a move that has taken game developers by surprise, Valve has this week published their Direct3D to OpenGL translation layer on to GitHub, making the software available to use under an open source licence.
Valve has published the DirectX To OpenGL Layer under the MIT open source license, allowing developers to do pretty much anything with it they desire. This move is seen as a significant step towards fostering a more open and collaborative development environment, especially for those working on cross-platform projects.
Understanding the Translation Layer
Valve explains a little more on the GitHub site: “the DirectX To OpenGL Translation Layer taken directly from the DOTA2 source tree; supports:
– Limited subset of Direct3D 9.0c
– Bytecode-level HLSL -> GLSL translator
– Some SM3 support: Multiple Render Targets, no Vertex Texture Fetch
–
This most likely won’t build by itself and is provided as-is and completely unsupported. Feel free to use it for your reference, incorporate it into your projects or send us modifications. Be wary that some parts are hardcoded to match Source Engine behavior; see CentroidMaskFromName() and ShadowDepthSamplerMaskFromName() in dxabstract.cpp.”
The translation layer is designed to help developers port their Direct3D-based applications to OpenGL, which is particularly useful for those looking to bring their games to platforms that do not support Direct3D, such as Linux and macOS. By providing this tool, Valve is enabling a broader range of developers to create and optimize their games for multiple platforms without having to rewrite significant portions of their codebase.
Implications for the Gaming Industry
The release of this translation layer under an open source license has several implications for the gaming industry. Firstly, it lowers the barrier to entry for developers who are new to OpenGL but are familiar with Direct3D. This can lead to a more diverse range of games being available on non-Windows platforms, enriching the gaming ecosystem.
Moreover, the open source nature of the project means that developers can contribute to its improvement. This collaborative approach can lead to faster bug fixes, new features, and optimizations that benefit the entire community. For instance, developers might add support for newer versions of Direct3D or enhance the performance of the translation layer, making it more efficient and robust.
For more information on the new Direct3D to OpenGL translation layer on GitHub and to download a copy to use, jump over to the Valve Software GitHub account for details.
Source: Slashdot : Gaming On Linux
In conclusion, Valve’s decision to open source their Direct3D to OpenGL translation layer is a game-changer for developers. It not only facilitates the porting of games to multiple platforms but also encourages a collaborative development environment. As more developers engage with the project, we can expect to see a richer and more diverse gaming landscape, benefiting both creators and players alike.
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