Game developers can now download an updated DirectX SDK. The most notable new feature of the Direct X 9 (DX9) API is its support for Microsoft's High-Level Shader Language (HLSL). Shaders are software components that manipulate 3D shapes and apply effects, such as making an object appear to be either highly reflective or shrouded in fog. DX9 makes shaders easier to create by allowing developers to create them in a language similar to the C programming language (the most widely used language for creating games) instead of a machine- or processor-specific assembly language.

To achieve the full benefits of DX9, users will need to use video cards and drivers as well as games specifically designed to support the new features. Of the two leading video card manufacturers, ATI is already shipping a DX9 compatible card and nVidia is expected to follow suit soon. For further information and the DX9 SDK download, see msdn.microsoft.com/directx.