Microsoft is making strides to enhance the gaming experience for PC users by introducing a new approach to shader delivery. This initiative, termed “advanced shader delivery,” aims to alleviate one of the more tedious aspects of gaming: the time-consuming process of shader compilation. By standardizing the way shaders are packaged with games, Microsoft is set to streamline the gaming experience significantly.
Standardizing shaders saves time
The company is implementing a system that collects shader data from games into a standardized format known as a State Object Database (SODB). Collaborating with key hardware partners, Microsoft has successfully decoupled the shader compiler from the graphics driver. This innovation allows the game data stored in the SODB to be paired with a cloud-based compiler, resulting in the creation of a Precompiled Shader Database (PSDB). This database will be downloaded alongside the game, enabling it to quickly access the necessary shaders without the need for additional compilation.
As a result, when a game is launched for the first time, it will find all required shaders readily available in a cache within Windows, effectively bypassing the compilation step. Microsoft assures users that if a device undergoes a driver update, the shader cache will be automatically refreshed to accommodate the changes.
Currently, this feature is exclusive to the Xbox gaming store, the Xbox PC app, and devices powered by AMD processors, such as the Asus ROG Ally. However, Microsoft plans to extend the AgilitySDK to other storefronts and game developers, facilitating the necessary backend integration. Furthermore, existing games will also benefit from this feature in the future, although specific timelines have yet to be disclosed.
As Microsoft continues to refine this technology, it aims to collaborate with select devices to implement these enhancements, promising to share further details in September. This advanced shader delivery system addresses a common frustration among PC gamers, particularly those dealing with slow internet connections and lengthy download times. By envisioning a future where PC gaming mirrors the quick accessibility of consoles, Microsoft is paving the way for a more seamless gaming experience.
