DirectX 11 3DMark trailer gives hints of next-gen

Real-time footage from a new 3DMark DirectX 11 tech demo has surfaced, giving another glimpse at what the future of console gaming may offer.

The new 3DMark benchmark, designed to test a PC's gaming performance, is due out later this year.

Advanced graphical techniques are demonstrated, such as intelligent tessellation and volumetric lighting using real-time light scattering.

Clouds of smoke and particles (more swirling sparks!) react to other objects in real-time using a dynamically fluid simulation. Post processing, ambient occlusion and various lens effects complete the look.

"Gamers seem disappointed that there was no next-gen news at E3 this year. Strange really, because for PC gaming the technology is already here," Futuremark's James Gallagher told Eurogamer. "It was no surprise to us that the most exciting, interesting and impressive E3 demos were running on PCs."

Epic's Unreal Engine 4 and Square Enix's Final Fantasy tech demo have also recently flashed their wares, as the march towards the next console generation continues.

"In the trade town of Scarport, buildings cling to canyon walls above canals of lava and provide shelter from the toxic volcanic atmosphere," the video description reads. "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?"