Check out the story of Xbox. I think it's interesting and could prove inspiring + educational for game devs.
So Direct X is where "X" box came from (insert mind blown emoji... here).
There are definitely huge Xbox fans out there, which is great (game on) but... I have a newfound respect for Microsoft because of the way they came about their console endeavors was something of an awesome climb (by gamers). There are things they could've done differently, and they're pretty much on a path that I applaud now... but they had to start somewhere (this breakdown explained the route they took a bit better). Sony also had to start somewhere, which we have to thank Nintendo for. Regardless, we're here now!