The next-generation DirectX 11 application programming interface (API) is approaching, but it looks like Nvidia Corp., one of the leading supplier of high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs), is more interested in promoting efficient usage of currently available features ahead of the launch of new hardware generation that is likely to double performance compared to existing chips.

At the forthcoming Game Developers Conference 2009 the company will concentrate on demonstrating the benefits of GPU-accelerated artificial intelligence (AI) and physics processing. Besides, the company will also focus on teaching video game developers to efficiently use the power multi-core processors, including GeForce graphics processors.

Nvidia has been promoting its physics effects processing technology for video games for quite some time now, but without visible success: to date, only Mirror’s Edge can boast with taking serous advantage of Nvidia PhysX technology, whereas other titles and demos can hardly demonstrate tangible visual breakthroughs.

In addition, Nvidia also plans to show game creators how to properly optimize their titles for shutter glasses-based 3D stereoscopic technology that was recently (re-)introduced by the company. Topics to be covered include: achieving out of screen effects, displaying 3D video content, and how to design a 3D friendly user interface. Nvidia also plans live demonstrations.

It is quite natural that Nvidia concentrates on ensuring that game developers can utilize the existing graphics technologies in the most efficient way. Currently available titles that heavily rely on DirectX 10 API usually run pretty slow on existing DX10-compatible hardware, therefore, it makes a lot of sense to use the power of next-generation DX11 graphics chips to take advantage of existing technologies.

There is a major drawback in this kind of tactics: if no games utilize Direct3D 11, then fewer gamers will be interested in next-gen graphics accelerators. On the other hand, the tactics allow Nvidia to switch attention of the industry from Microsoft Corp.’s DirectX 11 to its proprietary PhysX and CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) technologies. Historically, however, proprietary tools have never gained industry-wide recognition and thus popularity among end-users.

Game Developers Conference 2009 will be held March 23 – 27, 2009 in Moscone Center, San Francisco, California.

Tags: Nvidia, Geforce, PhysX, Stereo 3D