Futuremark Working on 3DMark for Windows 8

Futuremark is releasing 3DMark for Windows 8 sometime next year.

Monday Futuremark said that it's already working on a new version of 3DMark that's designed for gaming performance measurement and comparison across all Windows 8 tablets, notebooks and desktops. This upcoming Windows 8-specific edition will also support both x86 and ARM-based architectures.

"With Windows 8 gamers will be able to enjoy their games on a wide range of devices from lightweight tablets to heavy-duty desktop rigs," said Jukka Mäkinen, CEO of Futuremark. "Faced with so much choice it will be hard to work out which devices offer the best value for money. Fortunately 3DMark for Windows 8 will be our most wide-reaching 3DMark ever, able to accurately measure and compare gaming performance across all devices and graphical feature sets available with Windows 8."

Little else is known about 3DMark for Windows 8 (working title) thus far, but Futuremark plans to release the software sometime next year. As indicated, it will measure and compare gaming performance on all Windows 8 devices. It will even offer users a choice of benchmarking in Metro UI or "classic" Windows environments using "stunning real-time scenes" that stress test all levels of hardware.

Monday Futuremark invited companies to contribute in the development of 3DMark for Windows 8 via its Futuremark Benchmark Development Program (BDP). This program already includes AMD, Nvidia, Microsoft, Imagination Technology, Dell, HP and other well known companies. Those wishing to participate in the BDP should head here to get specific contact information.