Way back in November, Futuremark announced plans to release a Windows 8-based version of its long running 3DMark benchmarking software. Today, the company released the first trailer showing off what the benchmark"s graphics will look like in a tech demo.
The trailer shows a scene that has elements of both sci-fi and fantasy. The description for the trailer states:
In the trade town of Scarport, buildings cling to canyon walls above canals of lava and provide shelter from the toxic volcanic atmosphere. Gaudy neon signs flicker as steam rises from the molten rivers running beneath the town. A trader walks along ledges carved from the volcanic rock, smoke swirling around her flowing cloak. Her robotic sentinels keep watch, but what dangers lie hidden in the shadows.
As far as the visual effects in the tech demo, Futuremark says that the trailer shows features such as "intelligent tessellation and advanced volumetric lighting using real-time light scattering." The trailer shows smoke and particles that react to each other "using fluid dynamics simulation. Post processing, ambient occlusion and various lens effects complete the look."
3DMark says that this new version will allow PC users to test their rigs running on DirectX 9, DirectX 10 and DirectX 11. In addition to Windows 8, it will also be released for Windows 7 and Windows Vista. It should come out sometime after the launch of Windows 8.
Source: YouTube video