The layer dxvk, which implements the graphic API Direct3D 9, 10, and 11, functions by intercepting calls to the Vulkan API. It is integrated with the d8vk project, providing support for Direct3D 8 in the Vulkan API. All further development related to the D8VK project will now be merged with the DXVK code base. D8VK is designed as a base for Direct3D 8. In comparison to projects like Wined3D and D3D8TO9, which translate Direct3D 8 calls to OpenGL and Direct3D 9, using Vulkan allows for higher performance, stability, and game compatibility.
One notable performance test involved running the 3DMark 2001 SE benchmark. The D8VK project achieved a score of 144660 points, surpassing D3D8TO9+DXVK at 118033 points and Wined3D at 97134 points. Developers have tested over 200 older games that rely on Direct3D 8, including titles like GTA III, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, Freelancer, Postal 2, Warcraft III, Anno 1503, Need for Speed: High Stakes, Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit, Red Faction II, Max Payne 2, Unreal II: The Awakening, and Silent Hill 3.