Microsoft has announced the preview release of DirectSR, a new API aimed at standardizing super resolution (SR) support for Direct3D 12 titles. This initiative, developed in collaboration with AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA, allows developers to seamlessly integrate various upscaling technologies using a unified set of inputs and outputs.
Key Features of DirectSR
- Simplified Integration: DirectSR provides a single code path that enables developers to implement DLSS Super Resolution, FidelityFX Super Resolution, and XeSS with ease. This unified interface simplifies the SR integration process, making it more scalable and efficient for developers across a wide range of Windows devices.
- GPU Vendor Support: The API comes with native support in GPU drivers, allowing hardware vendors to optimize their SR implementations for maximum performance. Additionally, DirectSR includes built-in support for GPU-agnostic variants, which ensures accessibility across different hardware configurations.
- Current Support: As part of its initial release, DirectSR features built-in support for AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 2.2 and driver-level support for Intel XeSS and NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution. This broad support enhances compatibility across diverse gaming environments.
Industry Collaboration
Leaders from AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA have expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative effort behind DirectSR.
- Andrej Zdravkovic from AMD highlighted the importance of unifying developer access to SR technologies across platforms.
- Alexander Kharlamov from Intel emphasized that the API simplifies developers’ workloads while ensuring gamers can utilize Intel’s XeSS technology.
- Jason Paul from NVIDIA noted the widespread adoption of DLSS and expressed excitement about providing developers with more avenues to implement this technology.
Runtime Selection and Standalone Operation
One of the standout features of DirectSR is the ability for users to select their preferred upscaling solution at runtime, depending on their hardware capabilities. This flexibility allows gamers to choose the SR method that best enhances their gaming experience.
Additionally, DirectSR functions as a standalone solution, eliminating the need for developers to integrate multiple vendor-specific SDKs or libraries. This streamlining makes it easier to support multiple SR technologies in games.
Availability
Developers can start using DirectSR with the Agility SDK 1.714.0-preview release. Intel drivers supporting XeSS via DirectSR are compatible with integrated GPUs from the 11th Gen Intel Core processors and discrete Intel Arc Graphics GPUs. NVIDIA drivers version 560.38 and above also provide support for DLSS Super Resolution through DirectSR on all GeForce RTX 20-Series GPUs and newer.
Additionally, support for PIX (Performance Tuning and Debugging Tool) is available from launch with PIX version 2405.15.
Conclusion
With the introduction of DirectSR, Microsoft and its industry partners have made significant strides in simplifying the integration of super resolution technologies for developers. This advancement promises to enhance the gaming experience for players by delivering consistent, high-quality upscaling across various hardware platforms, ultimately benefiting the entire gaming ecosystem.