1. A method of providing an image to a video display in a computer system, the computer system including a multilayer graphics controller having a graphics controller operating system that directs draw streams to respective hardware layers, the method comprising: executing a universal application programming interface (API) to communicate draw streams to the graphics controller operating system; generating a plurality of draw streams using respective software applications, where a first draw stream of the plurality of draw streams includes target information identifying that the first draw stream is provided directly to the universal API and where a second draw stream of the plurality of draw streams includes target information identifying that the second draw stream is provided indirectly to the universal API through a three-dimensional event space; and directing draw streams provided to the universal API to the graphics controller operating system for provision to the respective hardware layers.