implementation challenges

DirectStorage requires developers to rethink asset packaging, compression, and decompression during gameplay, making its implementation complex and time-consuming. PC developers face challenges due to diverse storage solutions, ranging from high-end SSDs to traditional HDDs, which complicates delivering optimal performance. Forspoken was one of the first games to implement DirectStorage, resulting in mixed outcomes. Developing games with zero loading screens while accommodating slower storage options is challenging, as it risks alienating players with specific hardware configurations. Additionally, without dedicated decompression hardware in modern GPUs, DirectStorage may hinder game performance by consuming GPU resources, potentially negatively impacting frame rates on older or slower hardware.