Nvidia: C for Graphics

NVIDIAÂ® Corporation today introduced the NVIDIA Cg Compiler for the new industry standard Cg graphics programming language. The Cg Language (C for graphics) is a high-level graphics programming language, also announced today, that provides content developers with a complete programming environment to ease and speed the creation of special effects and real-time cinematic quality experiences.

The benefits of Cg:

Wide acceptance: Hundreds of developers have received training and information so that they can start writing Cg shaders today. Offline rendering companies, serving Hollywood's visual effects industry, are integrating the NVIDIA Cg Compiler into future product releases. And, DCC applications are embedding Cg into the digital artist's workflow, making shader technology friendlier and more accessible to non-programmers.
High-impact, long-life applications for consumers: A game that uses Cg shaders can take advantage of the hardware that is available when it is run, and can take advantage of the features of a new GPU, without recompiling or upgrading the software. Games will last longer, providing excellent performance and benefiting from hardware upgrades.
Increased programmer productivity: Over the long term, high-level languages like Cg reduce the time required for ongoing training. Each programmer does not need to maintain expertise regarding every platform and API nuance.
More effects, shorter development time: Cg gives developers the ability to develop and integrate a greater number of shaders in the same amount of time, setting a game apart from the competition. In addition, effects can be developed once and compiled for a variety of APIs and platforms (not just PCs) to span all of the game developer's market.