Topic: FATAL ERROR: wglCreateContextAttribsARB failed

[kat]

The "FATAL ERROR: wglCreateContextAttribsARB Failed" error occurs as the result of an unsuccessful attempt by a video game to start and use a unsupported version of OpenGL. For example, if a system has an onboard Intel HD 3000 embedded graphics chipset and a game like Wolfenstein: Old Order is started, the "wgl..." error will occur because the chipset only supports OpenGL 3.1 or below. OpenGL 3.2 or above is required for such games. As the solution is driver dependant, a fix relies on the hardware manufacturer updating to include support. For older hardware this is unlikely to happen.

Note: for systems with dual graphics capabilities where one of the subsystems is Intel based, the error can be fixed by switching drivers (subject to it also providing support for the correct version of OpenGL).

[ratty redemption]

that's the gfx chipset my laptop has. does intel have newer versions of the hardware for laptops?

[kat]

They do, but for a laptop or other embedded hardware, it's obviously nothing that can be swapped out. Generically the current lowest gfx chip is the HD 4000, midrange is the HD 5000, top end is the HD 6000, although they do have other versions available depending on the CPU - HD4200, HD 4400, HD 5500, HD 6100 and so on. As has always been the case though, DirectX support is decent (for embedded tech), OpenGL not, so even if you had a newer version of the chip it's not exactly clear that games needing OpenGL 3.2 or above will run.

[ratty redemption]

understood, and why are games still using opengl?

[kat]

Cross-platform open standard. DirectX 'belongs' to Microsoft so technically to use it permission has to be granted (through license) which essentially limits its use/availability for Linux, iOS (Apple), Android and other mobile platforms. OpenGL & OpenCL, WebGL (and others) all allow for the display of complex graphics otherwise not possible.

[ratty redemption]

understood, thanks kat.