If you are shipping a game on Steam or Itch.io, always run the DXSetup.exe as part of your installation chain. Do not assume the user has it. They probably don't.
If you have ever installed an older PC game from a CD, DVD, or a digital storefront like Steam or GOG, you have likely seen that familiar progress bar: “DirectX is installing…” followed by a flurry of file names like d3dx9_43.dll scrolling past. directx end user runtime june 2010
So, the next time you see that blue progress bar chugging along during a game installation, don't roll your eyes. Give a silent nod to the June 2010 runtime—the unsung hero that ensures your digital history never dies. If you are shipping a game on Steam or Itch
Despite Microsoft releasing DirectX 11, 12, and even the upcoming DirectX 13 updates, the June 2010 redistributable package remains a critical piece of infrastructure for millions of gamers. Here is why. First, let's clear up a common misconception: DirectX is not a single thing. It is a collection of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). While your Windows operating system includes core DirectX files, game developers often need specific, older versions of helper libraries—specifically the D3DX (Direct3D Extensions) utility library. If you have ever installed an older PC
Furthermore, the D3DX library was deprecated years ago. Microsoft now recommends developers use and DirectXTK instead. But they cannot go back in time to patch Crysis 2 .
Thankfully, this is harmless. The actual files are installed to C:\Windows\System32 (or SysWOW64 for 32-bit), and the installer is smart enough not to overwrite newer files with older ones. If you encounter a missing DLL error, do not download a DLL file from a random website. That is a fast track to malware.
However, it is arguably the most important "invisible" software for PC gaming preservation. Without it, thousands of classic titles would be unplayable on modern hardware.