Following the launch of the Xbox Series X/ Series S in early 2020, Microsoft announced that DirectStorage API, one of the core features of the next game consoles, will be coming to Windows-powered PCs. The technology, which dramatically cuts game load times, has now begun to be made available to developers for integration into their games. The following are the specifics.
DirectStorage API for Windows PCs is now available from Microsoft
Microsoft recently announced the availability of the DirectStorage API for Windows games in an official blog post. The technology will usher in “a new era of rapid load times and detailed environments in PC games by allowing developers to more completely leverage the speed of the latest storage devices,” according to the company.
The DirectStorage API allows a system to feed enormous volumes of data straight to the GPU from super-fast NVMe SSDs rather than relying on the CPU to decompress it first. This improves performance while also reducing game load times and providing comprehensive virtual environments on Windows PCs.
Furthermore, the technology will function on Windows 10 PCs in addition to Windows 11. Although Microsoft recommends Windows 11 for this because it includes the most up-to-date storage improvements. In the image provided below, you can see how the technology works.
It’s also worth noting that in order to take advantage of the technology, you’ll need an NVMe 4.0 SSD drive and a compatible motherboard installed in your system. Furthermore, Microsoft has only made the API available to its partners. As a result, game makers will need some time to integrate it into their games before releasing them to the public.
Luminous Productions’ Forspoken, which was recently postponed till October 11, would be one of the first games to use the DirectStorage API. At GDC 2022 later this month, Luminous Productions will demonstrate how it uses Microsoft’s new storage system.
On March 22, Microsoft will give an in-depth introduction to its DirectStorage API, as well as some tips and tricks, at the Game Developers Conference. If you’re a game developer, you can still use the DirectStorage API by going to its official landing page.
Microsoft also disclosed that there will be additional ways to make PC gaming more enjoyable in the near future. Check out the link below for a list of upcoming Windows 11 features.
