Are you trying to tell me that DX9 or even DX10 means better games for all?
No. I'm saying that I think it's a pity that someone that wishes to create games in B3D doesn't have the seamless access to DX9/DX10 and the newer features they incorporate.
Still think you need DX9 / DX10?
Yes I do. For reasons stated above AND from a marketability standpoint. It's pretty much a fact that software buyers will gravitate towards applications that use new and/or current technologies. Why buy an "old tech" game when you're shiny new video card supports advanced rendering features? Developing a game with DX7 is a liability in this regard, IMO.
DX7 is bit old, basic shaders would be a nice addition but that would make the language much more complex and might put some ppl off actually.
Possibly. But then again, it would be nice to have the choice of using the newer features of DX9/DX10... I believe both newer versions are DX7 backward compatible.
With a more productive IDE, a cross-compiler and better 3rd party product integration (I'm thinking particularly of SpeedTree/Grass and PhysiX) - BlitzMAX just might deliver on Brooks' Silver Bullet.
One may hope.. :)
So 3D solutions are not in short supply although I agree an official one would be nice.
Yes it would...
I guess, all being said, that in essence I'm disappointed that BMAX didn't turn out to be the "killer game app" that I expected it to be...
Hmm, guess I'll have to consider buying BMAX and use the Irrlicht wrapper library...
Cheers!