In a conversation with Jack Huynh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AMD's Computing and Graphics Group, PlayStation Lead Architect Mark Cerny discussed the latest developments within Project Amethyst — a joint initiative between Sony and AMD to integrate machine learning technologies into graphics and gameplay.
In a new video on the PlayStation channel, experts discussed three key innovations: Neural Arrays, Radiance Cores, and Universal Compression, which developers say will change the gaming industry.
Neural Arrays address the problem of high GPU load when using scaling technologies such as FSR and PSSR. Huynh explained that neural arrays allow computing units to work together as a single AI engine, which significantly improves image processing efficiency. Cerny added that this will form the basis for the next generation of scaling and noise reduction technologies.
Radiance Cores simplify ray tracing by rethinking the entire rendering process. According to Huynh, this is a specialized hardware unit that takes over ray tracing management, freeing up the central processor to work with geometry and simulation, and the graphics processor for shading and lighting. This ensures faster and more efficient graphics processing for next-generation games.
Universal Compression eliminates GPU memory bandwidth limitations by compressing all data sent to memory, which reduces load and increases detail, frame rate, and energy efficiency.
According to Cerny, these technologies currently exist only in simulations, but he is "excited about the prospect of their implementation in a future console in a few years".