DX12 option revealed in World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth Alpha datamine
DX12 option revealed in World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth Alpha datamine
One of the game’s most interesting new additions is support for DirectX 12, listed as “GXAPI_D3D12” in the datamine, which points towards some significant engine changes for the game. At this time it is unknown exactly how much WOW’s game engine will be reworked for Battle for Azeroth.
World of Warcraft has been traditionally more CPU limited than GPU limited, making the addition of DirectX 12 a good move for Blizzard from a performance perspective, though the game is already exceptionally easy to run by today’s standards.
Most WOW expansions come with a new set of PC system requirements, often due to graphical upgrades to the title, increases in texture detail and higher levels of detail at a distance.
World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth is expected to release in late 2018, giving Blizzard plenty of time to reveal more about their upcoming expansion officially.
Please remember that this does not guarantee that DirectX 12 will be coming to World of Warcraft in its upcoming Battle of Azeroth expansion, though this is a clear indication that Blizzard is testing the new API.
You can join the discussion on Blizzard’s plans to bring DirectX 12 to World of Warcraft on the OC3D Forums.