New Windows XP drivers bring hardware vertex shading to the table through, well, some good coding. In a blog post to announce the release of the drivers, Intel suggests that integrated graphics are "suitable for casual gaming", and that the updated drivers are in line with the message that "Intel has never marketed integrated graphics to gamers who demand great 3D performance".

However, the chaps in the Intel gaming labs are clearly excited about the fact that games like Call of Duty, Far Cry and Battlefield 2 are now al perfectly playable on G965 hardware, and that's going to be a good thing for casual gamers everywhere. And, given the sheer numbers of Intel integrated chipsets sold, any performance boost is a good thing for the PC gaming industry in general.

Perhaps one of the coolest side-benefits is that Mac users will now get an extra gaming benefit - with the MacBook being one of the most popular single models of laptop on the market right now, the ability to fire up Windows XP under Boot Camp and get increased performance in World of Warcraft - which, let's face it, is what 90% of people are playing anyway - is a definite bonus.

Currently, the update is only for XP users, but Vista enhancements are on the way. No word on OSX drivers yet, though.

There's a video of the new performance right here. It's Intel-produced, so stay sceptical, but expect the usual legions of hardware boys to weigh in soon enough.

In the mean time, you can grab the driver and go tell Aunty Mabel that BF2 is waiting for her. Who said you don't get something for nothing? µ