Xbox Series X DirectStorage Brings Better Loading Times to PC
Microsoft announced that DirectStorage finally arrives on Windows.
Previously used in the Xbox Series X consoles, this technology means PC games. That support will not only have larger and more detailed game worlds. But will also have faster load times. If you’re not familiar with DirectStorage, this is the I/O system that was introduced in Xbox Series X. DirectStorage is designed to use hardware compression and fast Solid State Drives (SSDs). To reduce load times and reduce CPU usage, allowing the CPU to focus on demanding elements like physics or adding more NPCs.
Back in 2020 – a couple of months before the launch of the Xbox Series X – Microsoft promised to bring this important technology to PC.
An overview of how DirectStorage works. | Image: Microsoft
As detailed in Latest DirectX Developer BlogMicrosoft says that DirectStorage is compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. However, the tech giant strongly recommends using Windows 11 as the newer operating system has the latest built-in storage optimization tools. The announcement of DirectStorage for PC is great news for PC gamers. However, it’s important to note that there are currently no games available that take advantage of DirectStorage.
While Microsoft hasn’t revealed exactly which games will support DirectStorage,
We do know that Forspoken RPG will support the technology. Although the Forsaken have recently moved to October, virtual presentation at GDC Next week we will explain and share how Luminous Productions implemented the Direct Storage API during game development.
Taylor is an Associate Technical Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
