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Helix Update Preview: Xbox Dev Stream Dives Into the PC/Console Hybrid
19 days ago•Source: Digital Foundry
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"Microsoft Unveils DirectX Super Resolution API to End PC Gaming Upscaling Wars"
Microsoft introduces DirectSR, a new API aimed at simplifying the use of upscaling technologies in PC gaming by providing a common set of inputs and outputs, allowing a single code path to activate a variety of solutions. This API, developed in partnership with GPU hardware vendors, aims to eliminate the need for game developers to individually support technologies like DLSS, FSR, or XeSS, and instead target DirectSR, which will then utilize the most suitable upscaling technology for the hardware. This move could potentially resolve the issues of game-specific upscaling support and streamline the implementation of upscaling in PC games.
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"Unveiling the Impact of Nvidia's RTX Remix on Classic Games and Bitcoin Mining"
Nvidia has released the open beta for its RTX Remix modding toolkit, allowing for classic games to receive remasters with ray-tracing and higher definition assets. The software is designed to work with DirectX 8 and 9 games with fixed function pipelines, and while compatibility may vary depending on the complexity of the game's assets and engine, titles like Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind and Half-Life 2 have already showcased its capabilities. Expect a surge in unofficial remasters of older games with the release of RTX Remix.
"Revolutionary MSI MAG 341CQP QD-OLED Gaming Monitor Unveiled"
MSI unveiled a new QD-OLED gaming monitor, the MEG 321URX, featuring a built-in AI processor called SkySight that provides visual notifications such as enemy positions and character health, raising questions about the future of AI in gaming. The monitor's AI technology can scan the game being played and offer visual indicators independently of the operating system or game files, potentially bypassing anti-cheat software. MSI also plans to introduce a feature allowing gamers to train an AI model on their favorite game to gain new advantages. The release is expected in late February with a price of $1,199.
Switch 2's DLSS upscaling falls short of expectations, claims suggest
The successor to the Nintendo Switch may not include Deep Learning Accelerator (DLA) technology for upscaling, potentially limiting the viability of DLSS (deep learning super sampling) on the console. Reports suggest that while the next console will feature DLSS, it won't have DLA accompanying it, which could impact its ability to upscale to 4K. Instead, it may be limited to 1080p upscaling, possibly 1440p in some cases. Nintendo has not officially commented on its plans for the next console, but development kits have reportedly been sent to key partners for a launch in the second half of 2024.
"Steam Deck OLED: Enhanced Input Lag, Performance Boost, and China's Super-Fast Internet"
Digital Foundry's testing has revealed that the Steam Deck OLED's upgraded 90 Hz screen significantly improves input lag, even when running games at 60 fps or below. Compared to the LCD version, the OLED version showed an average reduction of 26.1 ms for Doom Eternal and 32.5 ms for Crysis 3 at 90 fps. Surprisingly, input lag improvements were also observed when both units were set to the same frame rate, with reductions of 8.5 ms and 11.3 ms for Doom Eternal and Crysis 3, respectively. These findings suggest that even small changes in input lag can greatly impact the responsiveness and "snappiness" of a gaming system. Firmware updates are expected to further improve input lag on the LCD Steam Deck displays.
Capcom's RE Engine Evolves to REX Engine with High-End PC Upgrades
Capcom developers working on the current and next-gen RE Engine are utilizing high-end PCs equipped with NVIDIA's RTX 4090 GPUs and AMD Threadripper PRO CPUs. These powerful systems have significantly reduced engine build time and feature specifications such as an AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5975WX CPU with 32 cores and 64 threads, NVIDIA's top GeForce RTX 4090 GPUs with 24 GB of GDDR6X memory, and ample DDR4 memory and SSD storage. These resources will be utilized in the development of Capcom's next-gen REX engine, which will leverage technologies like mesh shaders for enhanced performance on newer hardware.
Xbox's October update introduces keyboard mapping for controllers and more
Xbox has introduced a new update that allows users to map controller buttons to keyboard keys, making it easier to play games with limited controller support or complex controls. This feature is available for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and the Xbox Adaptive Controller, and allows users to assign specific keyboard keys to controller buttons. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out the ability to import Xbox game captures to Clipchamp, its video editor for Windows, and making it easier to opt out of diagnostic data sharing across multiple devices.
"Nvidia's DLSS 3.5 Enhances Ray Tracing for Cyberpunk 2077 Launch"
Nvidia's DLSS 3.5, the latest version of its upscaling technology, will be supported by Cyberpunk 2077, becoming the first game to do so. DLSS 3.5 utilizes Ray Reconstruction, an AI-powered technique that enhances the quality of ray tracing, resulting in higher-quality pixels. The update will bring improvements to reflections, global illumination, and lighting in the game. Additionally, Update 2.0 will introduce vehicle combat, a revamped police system, and redesigned perk and skill trees. DLSS 3.5 will be available to all RTX GPUs, including older models like the RTX 2080, and other games are set to receive the update later this fall.
"Steam Deck's Latest Preview Showcases VRR, HDR, Starfield Enhancements, and ReactOS Compatibility"
Valve's upcoming SteamOS 3.5 update for the Steam Deck introduces support for variable refresh rates (VRR) and HDR when using an external display, along with improved color rendering options. The update also includes updated graphics drivers with performance improvements, specifically for Starfield, and slightly improved sleep resume speed. Linux desktop mode users will benefit from an updated Arch Linux with a new Plasma desktop interface and an updated Discover app store. Additionally, the BIOS now has voltage offset settings for easier undervolting or overclocking.
Unreal Engine 5.2: A Solution to Stuttering Issues?
Unreal Engine 5.2 introduces procedural generation, which allows for more efficient and realistic environment creation. This improves performance, particularly in hardware-accelerated ray tracing. However, CPU limitations and traversal stutter still pose challenges. The engine also includes an improved asynchronous shader caching system, but it is not a complete solution for eliminating stutters. Developers may need to combine it with traditional shader caching methods for a smoother player experience. The impact of these features will be seen in upcoming games like Immortals of Aveum, The Lords of the Fallen, and Stalker 2.
Unity CEO Riccitiello's Bold Vision: AI Revolutionizing Games for Speed, Cost, and Quality
Unity CEO John Riccitiello predicts that generative artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionize the gaming industry by significantly reducing the time and cost required to create video games. From environmental details to in-game non-playable characters (NPCs), AI can streamline the design process and accelerate testing and debugging. Riccitiello believes that rather than replacing jobs, AI will enhance human creativity and productivity, leading to the creation of high-quality AAA gaming titles at a faster rate. Unity, a leading software provider in the gaming industry, has announced its own generative AI tools, Muse and Sentis, which will be available for developers later this year.