3Dfx Goes Linux, Cross-Platform

To mark the opening of the Linux World Conference and Expo, 3Dfx announced a broad effort that will enable developers to create content for 3Dfx Voodoo accelerator products on several platforms, including the popular Linux operating system. As part of a multi-faceted program, 3Dfx launched several new sections of its Web site today to serve as a resource for developers using Linux and other UNIX-based operating systems. The company also announced that it is releasing 2D specifications for Voodoo Banshee to the Open Source community. Available at http://www.3dfx.com, the new web content is designed to help developers create games, interactive content and visual business applications for 3Dfx Voodoo acceleration technology. Developers will find Voodoo Banshee 2D specifications, 3Dfx Glide libraries for Linux (developed for 3Dfx and Linux users by independent software developer Daryll Strauss), and links to Mesa, an OpenGL compatible library for Open Source platforms. Scott Sellers, senior vice president of product development at 3Dfx Interactive, says, "By taking steps to ensure that key 3Dfx software drivers and APIs support Linux and other platforms, we are providing game and software developers with the chance to create content for their preferred graphics platform using their favorite development environment.'' In addition to releasing product specifications and software drivers, 3Dfx will also host an online newsgroup to raise Linux awareness in the 3Dfx community. For serious Linux developers, the company will administer a focused list server that allows participants to address specific issues in detail. Both services will be available through the 3Dfx web site.