Microsoft to save users from compiling shaders on the first game launch
Shader compilation on the first launch can take a significant amount of time, especially on weak PCs. Microsoft has presented a solution to this problem.
At Gamescom 2025, Microsoft presented a new mechanism for working with shaders in DirectX, which will speed up the first launch of games on PC. The Advanced Shader Delivery technology is based on a system of precompiled shaders that are downloaded from the cloud depending on the user's device configuration.
Previously, shaders were compiled on the client side, as they had to match a specific game, video card model, and driver version. This led to a long preparation on the first launch, especially on weak systems, because developers could not take into account the entire variety of configurations in advance.
Now Microsoft offers a solution: the new standard State Object Database (SODB) format allows you to collect shader data from the game and store it centrally. Together with video card manufacturers, the DirectX team separated the shader compiler from the graphics driver and combined it with SODB, creating a database of precompiled shaders — Precompiled Shader Database (PSDB).
When installing the game through the Xbox PC App, the system automatically determines the device configuration and loads the appropriate version of PSDB. Thanks to this, on the first launch, you can bypass the long local compilation and immediately proceed to the gameplay. According to Microsoft, the loading time is reduced by up to 85% — this increase was recorded during the testing of Avowed.
When updating the driver or replacing the video card, the Xbox App will be able to download a new version of the database. If a suitable PSDB is not available (for example, when using beta drivers), the system will return to local compilation in the old way.
The technology does not require additional integration from developers, as it is implemented at the Microsoft infrastructure level. In the future, the company plans to integrate support directly into game engines.
At the first stage, the function will be available on the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X portable consoles, which are scheduled for release on October 16. Later, the list of devices will be expanded.
***
Cover author: Microsoft Cover source: Wccftech
