Microsoft has announced a major step in PC game optimization. The new version of DirectX 12 AgilitySDK (1.618) introduces Advanced Shader Delivery, which eliminates lag and long loading times caused by shader compilation. The technology has completed testing and will begin rolling out to players on October 16.
One of the main problems of modern PC games, especially Unreal Engine 5 projects, remains micro-stuttering due to shader compilation during the game. Even powerful video cards don't help, and developers try to hide the shortcomings with upscaling or patches after release. Now Microsoft has decided to eliminate the problem at the source: shaders will be compiled in advance, even when the game is loading. As a result, users will receive a ready-made package on the first launch - without lags and waiting.
The company claims that the technology will provide console-level smoothness and loading speed on Windows 11. The system is based on the State Object Database (SODB) - special databases with pre-compiled shaders. Developers will be able to create them already at the production stage and add them to installation files, updates and DLC. This will give a 100% hit in the shader cache, eliminate freezes and speed up the launch.
Microsoft plans to have all game stores support the feature - Xbox App, Steam, Epic Games Store. The first device with Advanced Shader Delivery will be the ROG Xbox Ally, with the update starting on October 16. Gamers will receive ready-made shaders immediately when downloading games, allowing them to launch without delays.
The technology is supported by the largest GPU manufacturers:
- AMD — released a compiler plugin in AgilitySDK Developer Preview 25.10.07.01;
- NVIDIA — is working with Microsoft on tools to eliminate freezes and reduce loading times;
- Intel — promised full support in November;
- Qualcomm — will add the feature to Adreno graphics on future mobile devices.
If developers start using the new tools, freezes and slowdowns in PC games will finally go away. UE5 and DirectX 12 projects will launch faster, run more stable and closer to console level.
