DirectStorage isn’t easy to implement
For developers eager to embrace DirectStorage, the transition is anything but straightforward. This technology represents a significant evolution in game design, requiring a comprehensive rethinking of how assets are packaged, compressed, and decompressed during gameplay. It’s not merely a feature to activate; it demands a deep understanding and mastery of new methodologies, which can be a daunting task that consumes valuable time and resources.
Moreover, the landscape for PC developers is markedly different from that of their Xbox counterparts. While Xbox developers benefit from a consistent hardware environment, PC developers face a diverse array of storage solutions. A game could be installed on anything from a state-of-the-art PCIe 5 SSD to a traditional spinning-platter HDD. Although DirectStorage aims to enhance asset load times across various storage types, it cannot perform miracles. The variability in hardware means that developers must navigate a complex terrain to deliver optimal performance.
Square Enix
Developing a game that boasts zero loading screens while accommodating slower storage options presents a considerable challenge. Restricting the game to specific hardware configurations could alienate a portion of the player base, leading to potential revenue losses that few publishers are willing to accept.
Additionally, there’s the inherent risk that DirectStorage could inadvertently hinder game performance. Without dedicated decompression hardware in modern graphics cards, the GPU may need to allocate some of its limited resources to manage this process. In scenarios where a game is more GPU-bound than CPU-bound—a common occurrence—DirectStorage could negatively impact frame rates, particularly on older or slower hardware. This complexity adds another layer of difficulty to its implementation, making it a nuanced decision for developers navigating the evolving landscape of gaming technology.
