Fix for Windows 8.1 problems and DirectX error.

[Ou71and3r]

When the game is started under Windows 8.1 we get the error message "grand theft auto iii requires at least directx version 8.1", but today i found the solution for this problem. Just install DirectPlay. Uninstall the game, download again and click to pause downloading. When resuming the download in the box that show up check "Launch the game when downloading finished". When this is happen, w8.1 is show windows with message to install "DirectPlay", install it and check compatibility mode to Windows 8. Start the game and exit, then uncheck the compatibility mode and the game will run without any problem :) I apologize for my bad English but I hope I helped.

[TheToxicDuck]

Where did you find DirectPlay?

[Ou71and3r]

Nowhere. Follow these steps to make the installation.

[TheToxicDuck]

Tried this and still nothing.

What I did:
1) Start install of game.
2) Pause Download
3) Click Play in the download manager
4) Check "Launch game"

The game tries to launch and then same error.

[Evox]

Install manually the direct play in Windows steup- components, then set win xp compatipility mode disable dpi, set 640*480 etc.

Works for me,on Windows 8.1.

[JuCeDoGi]

Windows 8.1 actually noted that it needed this component when trying to launch the game for the first time and downloaded it after clicking on the ok button of that message. Have seen this more than once so if you do have 8.1 I don't know why this action didn't pop up for you.

[Thaurik]

where can I download DirectPlay?

[CyniCul]

Watch this it helped me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XYyGB-Tn3g

[Silent]

Though the DirectPlay dependency is purely useless and can be easily removed Look up at PCGamingWiki III page.

[cerii.moe]

It's maybe because Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and all Service Packs for them won't have DirectPlay in DirectX.
List of OS's that have this very problem
- Mac OS X
- Windows Vista
- Windows Vista SP1
- Windows Vista SP2
- Windows 7
- Windows 7 SP1
- Windows 8
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 8.1 Update 1
- Windows 8.1 Update 2
- Windows 8.1 Update 3
- Windows 10
All versions
- Windows Vista Basic
- Windows Vista Starter (idk if GTA3 can run on this piece of poo)
- Windows Vista Home Premium
- Windows Vista Professional
- Windows Vista Ultimate
- All x64 of the above, along with x86
- Windows 7 Basic
- Windows 7 Starter (idk if GTA3 can run on this)
- Windows 7 Home Premium
- Windows 7 Professional
- Windows 7 Ultimate
- All x86/64 versions of the above
- Windows 8
- Windows 8 Pro
- All x86/64 of the above
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 8.1 Pro
- All x86/64 of the above
- Windows 10 Home
- Windows 10 Pro

[wolfram77]

I installed DirectPlay, and it worked, thanks.
Programs and Features->Turn Windows Features On or Off->Legacy Components->DirectPlay

(The program was expecting DirectX 8.1 or higher)