GPU decompression in DirectStorage 1.1 will improve PC game load speeds: Microsoft wants to offload game decompression from the CPU to the GPU to improve load times for PC games. Up to 3x faster.
Microsoft will soon introduce GPU decompression to Windows PC games. Following the launch of DirectStorage earlier this year, GPU decompression promises to be the next step in our ongoing effort to improve game load times on PC. which is game developers top demand.
GPU decompression works by offloading the work required to decompress in-game assets to the graphics card instead of the CPU.
Modern games contain a large amount of assets such as characters, scenery, and objects, all compressed to reduce the overall size of the game.
Microsoft’s senior program her manager, Cassie Hoef, explains: “Instead, DirectStorage 1.1 offers another method by offloading the decompression of these assets to her GPU. This is known as GPU decompression.”
GPU decompression free up CPU
Microsoft claims this can be up to 3x faster and free up CPU for other game processes. “This release (DirectStorage 1.1) initiates journey for game developers to get the most out of their gaming hardware and ensure faster PC game loading for years to come,” Hoef said. says.
These new improvements are coming soon to developers and will be available for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft states that “Windows 11 users can take advantage of additional optimizations in his IO stack”, so this is a great choice for his GPU decompression and DirectStorage in general.
GPU makers like Nvidia and AMD should also release compatible DirectStorage 1.1 drivers before Microsoft’s final release later this year. DirectStorage promises the lightning-fast load times seen on Xbox Series X consoles, but not many PC games embrace the technology.
Forspoken was supposed to be the first major game to support DirectStorage, but the title has been pushed back to his January 2023 date.
