Next month at the Game Developers Conference (GDC 2024), Microsoft is set to unveil a cutting-edge image upscaling technology tailored for PC gamers. Named “DirectSR,” this AI upscaling innovation is positioned as a groundbreaking API that enables developers to seamlessly integrate support for super-resolution solutions in games, promising greater efficiency compared to existing methods.
DirectSR has been “collaboratively developed” with leading chip manufacturers, including Nvidia, AMD, and Intel. This partnership has facilitated the integration of DirectSR into Minecraft, bringing this innovative technology to life. Notably, Nvidia’s DLSS, AMD’s FSR and Intel’s XeSS are existing AI super-resolution technologies available in games, each offering independent activation options for users.
With three distinct super-resolution (SR) techniques available, there is a clear need for a more streamlined approach for game developers to incorporate SR into their projects. DirectSR aims to address this gap. Microsoft describes DirectSR as the crucial component that game developers have been seeking to effortlessly integrate super-resolution into their games.
The emergence of DirectSR marks a significant advancement in the field. This new API promises to streamline the integration of super-resolution technologies from Nvidia (DLSS), AMD (FSR), and Intel (XeSS). As for its functionality:
“This API enables multi-vendor SR through a common set of inputs and outputs, allowing a single code path to activate a variety of solutions including NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution, AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution, and Intel XeSS.” – Joshua Tucker, Program Manager at Microsoft
When Will Microsoft DirectSR Arrive?
DirectSR is set to be unveiled soon as a public preview within the Agility SDK of DirectX. Once released, game developers will have the opportunity to explore its functionality and witness its effectiveness firsthand.
The prospects of Microsoft’s DirectSR are indeed captivating, offering a seemingly magical solution. Integrating Super Resolution into games is poised to simplify the development process for PC gaming developers, who already contend with additional complexities compared to their console counterparts.
Rather than requiring developers to independently integrate SR features such as DLSS and FSR, the DirectSR API may provide a comprehensive solution that caters to various hardware configurations. Details regarding Microsoft’s DirectX State of the Union event, scheduled for GDC 2024, will unveil the introduction of DirectSR.
During the GDC 2024 conference in San Francisco, California, Microsoft’s DirectSR unveiling event is scheduled for March 21 from 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM (PST). The event will feature Rob Martin from AMD and Wessam Bahnassi from Nvidia, both engineers who will contribute to the introduction of DirectSR.
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