Microsoft has finally released hers API DirectStorage to developers. This means that one of the most promising features of the Xbox Series X is coming on PC.
DirectStorage promises to bring faster loading times thanks to logins SSD NVMe optimized. Previously, a game could only perform one login in / out at a time.
This did not present any problems in the days of hard drives, but now that most of the PC gaming have SSD that they can transfer gigabyte per second with hundreds of thousands of outbound operations per second (IOPS) clearly a better method was needed.
DirectStorage allows a SSD NVMe to reach its full performance potential by allowing more operations I / O at the same time. Allows you to transfer resources directly to the GPUleading to better efficiency.
Most of the game resources are compressed, which means that you need to access the CPU before loading the resource.
In the future, DirectStorage will introduce support for file compression and decompression operations on GPU something for which the enormous processing power and memory bandwidth of one GPU it is naturally suitable.
When combined, DirectStorage should lead to faster game loading and level transition times, more detailed textures, and fewer popups in the game.
Microsoft has not yet revealed the names of the titles that will use the technology and that’s a bit surprising. However, the games developed by the studios Microsoft or the exclusives Xbox they are sure to take precedence.
Third-party developers will have to devote development resources and since there have been no supporting game announcements, it may be some time before you see it in action on the PC.
Previously, Nvidia announced its technology RTX IO which is built on the basis of DirectStorage. Nvidia promises many of the same features, including fast file decompression and fast load times that are suitable for games that feature open worlds or highly detailed textures.
DirectStorage Sara made available to users of Windows 10 e Windows 11although of course MS recommends the use of Windows 11 for best results. The company will talk more about DirectStorage at the Game Developers Conference the 22 March.