Xbox’s New Feature Solves PC Gaming’s Biggest Annoyance
▼ Summary
– PC gaming offers customization and high performance, but shader compilation causes annoying delays and stuttering during gameplay.
– Shader compilation is a current technique where a PC’s GPU pre-compiles game shaders at startup to reduce in-game stutters, though it is not a perfect solution.
– Microsoft’s new solution, Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD), uses a database of pre-compiled shaders for different hardware so games can start without compilation delays.
– ASD faces a challenge because the PC ecosystem has many hardware configurations, but Microsoft is working with AMD, Intel, and Nvidia to pre-compile shaders for numerous setups.
– ASD is initially available only on the Xbox Store app for specific Asus ROG handhelds and will likely take years to become a standard feature in most PC games and stores.
The freedom and power of PC gaming come with a unique set of challenges, and one of the most persistent frustrations for players is the dreaded shader compilation process. Microsoft is now introducing a groundbreaking feature designed to eliminate this bottleneck, promising a smoother, more immediate gaming experience. While the rollout will be gradual, the technology represents a significant step forward for the platform.
Shader compilation has become a common technique in recent years. The goal is straightforward: by having your graphics card process the necessary shaders before you start playing, developers aim to reduce in-game stuttering and performance hiccups. It’s a well-intentioned system, but its execution often leaves users staring at a loading screen for minutes on end. The real annoyance is that this isn’t always a one-time event. Major game updates or even adjustments to your graphics settings can trigger the entire process again. Some titles, such as recent releases, have been known to compile shaders during gameplay, like the first time you use a fast-travel point, which can completely disrupt the flow of action.
The solution arrives via an update to Microsoft’s Agility SDK, a suite of tools for DirectX. The latest version, 1.618, introduces support for Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD). This new technology fundamentally changes the approach. Instead of relying on your personal hardware to compile shaders on the spot, ASD utilizes a vast, centralized database of pre-compiled shaders. When you download a game, it comes packaged with the exact shaders needed for a wide range of hardware configurations, all ready to run immediately.
This method mirrors how consoles have efficiently handled shaders for years. The complexity on PC, however, stems from the immense diversity of components. With countless combinations of CPUs and GPUs, pre-compiling for every scenario is a monumental task. To tackle this, Microsoft is collaborating with major hardware partners like AMD, Intel, and Nvidia to create and distribute these pre-compiled shader packages through digital storefronts.
Initially, access to Advanced Shader Delivery will be limited. It is launching exclusively on the Xbox Store app for PC and will only function with the new Asus ROG Ally and Ally X handheld devices when they release on October 16th. Widespread adoption across other stores and game libraries will likely take a few years. Nevertheless, the foundation has been laid. The prospect of starting a game without an obligatory shader compilation wait is finally on the horizon, marking a welcome evolution for PC gamers everywhere.
(Source: kotaku)
