DirectX is a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) developed by Microsoft that helps software, especially video games, communicate with a computer's hardware. It allows developers to create rich graphics and sound experiences by providing tools to access the capabilities of graphics cards and sound devices. This makes it easier for games to run smoothly on different computers. By using DirectX, game developers can focus on creating engaging gameplay without worrying about the underlying hardware differences. It supports various multimedia tasks, including 2D and 3D graphics, audio, and input from devices like game controllers. This versatility has made it a standard in the gaming industry.