FrictionalGames OpenGL Hero

**Caterpillar** · 03-27-2011, 10:58 AM

In a world of mono-platform games (Windows-DirectX), I see FrictionalGames and other companies that make games for all computer platform (Linux, MacOS, Windows) like heroes.
I suggested your games in IRC Freenode channels where I join (and in real life too) and people who did not know you really appreciate your approach and your quality.
One other thing that I love is the direct contact with game developers. Only with indie developers you can have a so close contact (you write in the forum and they answer your questions).
So my question is: how did you feel doing this game in OpenGL instead using the more easier way (DirectX and all support they give)? I've never programmed a game so I don't know very well the differencies

**Tanshaydar** · 03-27-2011, 12:55 PM

What makes you think that DirectX is (more?) easier?
DirectX hardly met the performance OpenGL already had. Companies left OpenGL because one sh*tty company said that they would drop the OpenGL support from their next operating system. But they did not.

**Caterpillar** · 03-27-2011, 01:09 PM

Because once I have heard that if you have several problems when programming a game, Microsoft sends you an engineer to fix it.
Yeah I know about better performance of OpenGL.

**Tanshaydar** · 03-27-2011, 01:36 PM

Well, Microsoft is the one who ruined all programming terms. I know a lot of people who calls themselves programmer, yet cannot do anything without Microsoft libraries.

**gandalf91** · 03-27-2011, 05:19 PM

I've heard speculation that games may still have a shot in OpenGL in the future...

**Tanshaydar** · 03-27-2011, 05:35 PM

Take a look at id Software.
They make their game even for Xbox 360 with OpenGL.
Doom 3 is an OpenGL game, so will Rage.

**thepaleking** · 03-28-2011, 04:28 AM

I think most larger developers are simply afraid to use OpenGL due to Microsoft not being fully in support of it. Mircrosoft being the oppressive techno-nazi regime that they are, developers may worry that they will not get support/money from them in the future if they do not use DirectX.

**Thomas** · 03-31-2011, 05:20 PM

Late and short answer:
Chose OpenGL a looong time ago (end of 2004 I think) when starting on Energetic (the 2D platformer). The main reason was to be able to port it.

Will probably go for Direct3D for next project. Still doing everything i OGL but pretty sure we will switch end of this year or so. Still gonna keep all OGL code though and our goal is to have an OGL version of the finished game too.

Why switch? Main reason is because d3d have better driver support.

**Mina Darsh** · 03-31-2011, 05:46 PM

Does that mean you will also use the latest DirectX or going to stick with version 9/10?

**Tanshaydar** · 03-31-2011, 07:28 PM

Well, does that mean you will also support 64 bit native executable for Windows Tongue