Winsock The primary programming model for the Xbox game system will be defined by the Xbox Title Libraries. For example, if a game will support online play, they include the Xbox networking library with their game. If no online play support is planned, they do not include the Xbox networking library. Note All Xbox-compatible code runs at Ring 0 on the Xbox game system, which means the Xbox Title Libraries are implemented in kernel mode and all games run in kernel mode. From a developer's perspective, the Xbox Title Libraries function as they would in user mode.
Kernel mode results in faster performance at run time.
A subset of the Win32 APIs is supported by the Xbox system software. We are currently doing analysis to determine exactly which APIs will be needed. Any APIs from User and GDI that are essential will be included as needed. Graphics Microsoft Direct3D will be the primary graphics API for the Xbox game system. The graphics API for the Xbox game system is compatible with DirectX at the API layer, while providing the thinnest, fastest-possible access to the video hardware.