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Microsoft DirectSR API: Simplifying Upscaling for Game Developers

3/25/2024

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Microsoft DirectSR API: Simplifying Upscaling for Game Developers

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming, achieving high-quality visuals is a constant pursuit. One critical aspect of this quest is upscaling, a technique that enhances lower-resolution content to match higher display resolutions. Enter Microsoft DirectSR, a groundbreaking API designed to make upscaling easier for game developers. Let’s dive into the details.

What Is Microsoft DirectSR?

Microsoft DirectSR, short for Direct SuperResolution, is a new technology unveiled during the Game Developers Conference 2024. Its mission? To simplify the implementation of upscalers across various hardware platforms. Here are the key points:

  1. Collaboration with Major Vendors: Microsoft worked closely with leading CPU and GPU vendors—NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel—to create DirectSR. This collaboration ensures compatibility and optimal performance across a wide range of systems.

  2. Abstracting Upscaling Techniques: Modern PC games often need to support multiple upscaling techniques simultaneously. Think of the uproar when games lack support for AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) or NVIDIA DLSS. DirectSR abstracts these techniques into a unified interface, making life easier for developers.

  3. Standard Interface: DirectSR provides a common set of tools and a singular code path for integrating upscaling technologies. Built-in variants ship as part of Direct SuperResolution and work seamlessly across all hardware. Additionally, specific variants cater to particular GPU/NPU hardware.

  4. Enumerated Techniques: Developers can choose from a variety of upscaling techniques. DirectSR enumerates all available options, allowing game creators to pick the one that best suits their needs.

How Does It Work?

Let’s explore the inner workings of DirectSR:

  1. API Integration: Developers incorporate DirectSR into their games using a straightforward API. This abstraction layer handles the complexities of different upscaling methods, shielding developers from low-level details.

  2. Compute Queue Execution: DirectSR submits its computations to an app-provided compute queue. The user interface (UI) is rendered over the top, ensuring a seamless experience.

  3. AMD FSR2 Integration: Microsoft has cleverly integrated the core processing of AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution 2 (FSR2) into the DirectSR runtime. As long as developers prepare the necessary preprocessing and parameters, their games can run smoothly without writing specific FSR2 code.

  4. NVIDIA DLSS Compatibility: Enabling NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution is straightforward. Developers provide a list of common inputs for the algorithm, including source color images, depth, motion vectors, and more.

Industry Voices

During the GDC 2024 talk, industry experts weighed in:

  • Rob Martin (AMD Fellow Software Engineer): “DirectSR bridges the gap between different upscaling techniques. It’s a win for developers and gamers alike.”

  • Wessam Bahnassi (NVIDIA Principal Engineer of Developer Technology): “NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution is available in over 400 titles and has become a standard feature for gamers. We’re excited to see DirectSR expand these possibilities.”

Conclusion

Microsoft DirectSR is a game-changer for the gaming industry. By simplifying upscaling and fostering compatibility across hardware, it empowers developers to create visually stunning games without the headache of juggling multiple techniques. As gamers, we eagerly await the next wave of titles that leverage DirectSR’s capabilities.

Remember, whether you’re scaling pixels or bananas, innovation knows no bounds! 🎮🍌