Microsoft announces DirectStorage API Available on PC
Microsoft announced that Windows games now support DirectStorage. The public SDK release will allow developers to more fully utilize the performance of the latest storage devices and improve the loading speed of PC games. Microsoft announced in September 2020 that DirectStorage would be coming to Windows, then gathered feedback during the developer preview and made the DirectStorage API available to partners for use in games.
DirectStorage will use NVMe SSD to store and run games. It is currently used on Xbox Series X/S. The new generation of storage technology has been well received by many players. DirectStorage allows NVMe SSD to bypass the CPU and memory and transfer data directly to the video memory, which can greatly reduce the game loading time and solve the problem of some material loading errors. In theory, games using this technology can achieve seamless scene integration. Since NVMe SSD is quite popular at present, I believe it will benefit many players.
All GPUs that support DirectX 12 should be able to use the new features, but Microsoft recommends using DirectX 12 Ultimate compatible products. DirectStorage is compatible with Windows 10 devices, but Windows 11 has the latest storage optimization technology built-in and is a better choice. Microsoft said that NVMe SSD will maximize I/O performance and is the storage device of choice for DirectStorage and next-generation games, allowing players to experience the benefits of DirectStorage.
Microsoft will be introducing DirectStorage at its GDC conference on March 22, providing some basic information and tips for getting started. It is understood that the adventure game Forspoken being developed by Square Enix is the first PC game to use DirectStorage technology and is expected to be released in the spring and summer of 2022.
