A little over a year ago I wrote a simple 2D engine (text, line, pixel, and image drawing) with DirectX 6. I havent really gotten to work much with it, but would like to get back into it. Im wondering if I should update my engine w/ DirectX 7 or 8. I know DX8 doesnt have directdraw anymore, but I can get the same functionality with D3D8. Plus, it would be easy to do transparency and other special effects. Im just wondering how hard its going to be to redo it. I know some people still use DX7 because its similiar to the previous versions. Just wondering what your thoughts are. Rewrite in DX8 or 7, or just leave it at 6? Thanks

You have to remember, that the computer industry in general is always changing, and you have to be able to keep up. I do the rewrite for DX8. I would create an abstraction layer (ie wrapper) on top of DX8. That way, to upgrade to any future versions, or to even provide OpenGL support, all you''ll have to do is change the implementation of the wrapper. The interface will be the same. This will also make your engine easier to port.

DX8 isn''t worth it. I think Microsoft forgot that PCs are still equipped with the hardware to do 2D graphics so you might as well take advantage of it.

I''d first port it to DX7. Using DX7 it''s possible to transition to D3D without having to redo all the code all at once. You can leave portions using BlitFast.

Once you get D3D down pretty well then decide if it would be more effient to keep some 2D (for odd shaped overlays) or to move it all to 3D.

I''m sticking with DX7 simply because not all my overlays can be cut down to 256x256 without wasting render time and memory.

I''ll see what MS does with 9.

Ben
http://therabbithole.redback.inficad.com

Is either one (DX7 or DX8) faster? I see what you mean that DX8 is kind of a waste because 9 will be different.


Humm.. I dunno. I want to do this quick so I can get back to my game stuff. I already have a wrapper so I will just need to change implementation, but still.

Anyone else have thoughts on this?

I think u''ll find DX9 will take some time to show up, as MS are using 8 on the XBox and won''t want to give the PC an edge over its machine