This video is sponsored by MSI's range of next generation QD-OLED monitors. Learn more here: https://msi.gm/QD-OLEDs UK viewers can click here for a chance to win an MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED Gaming Monitor, Metaphor: ReFantazio Xbox/PC game code and exclusive tote bag: https://msi.gm/msi-x-metaphor-refantazio-giveaway October 11th 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the GeForce 256, the original Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). With cutting edge technologies like hardware-accelerated transformation and lighting (T&L), combined with what was - for the time - brutal performance, GeForce 256 was a game-changer. In this DF Direct special hosted by Alex Battaglia, we bring together Nvidia staff to discuss why this product was so important. On the panel, we have: John Montrym, Chief Architect John Spitzer, VP of Developer and Performance Technologies Nick Stam, Senior Director of Technical Marketing - and Technical Director of PC Mag in 1999. Jacob Freeman, GeForce Evangelist Want some DF-branded tee-shirts, mugs, hoodies and various items based on DF catchphrases? Check out our store: https://store.digitalfoundry.net Join the DF Supporter Program for pristine video downloads, behind the scenes content, early access to DF Retro, early access to DF Direct Weekly and much, much more: https://bit.ly/3jEGjvx Subscribe for more Digital Foundry: http://bit.ly/DFSubscribe 00:00 Overview 00:27 Sponsored by MSI QD-OLED 01:08 Introductions 07:12 - Why is GeForce 256 Important? What was its impact? 12:51 - GeForce 256 feature uptake 15:28 - Hardware transform and lighting and its importance 18:24 - GeForce 256 development milestones 21:08 - GeForce 256’s initial impact on games 25:11 - Reactions to GeForce 256 31:01 - Environment mapping 35:29 - Reviewing the GeForce 256 40:01 - What the GeForce 256 meant beyond gaming 41:44 - The GeForce 256’s legacy