Microsoft officially reveals DirectSR at GDC 2024 – Making Upscaling Easier
AMD, Nvidia, and Microsoft showcase DirectSR (Direct Super Resolution) at GDC 2024
At GDC 2024, Microsoft officially showcased DirectSR. This new software that’s will make Super Resolution/Upscaling technologies easier to integrate into future games. With support for both the Windows PC and Xbox ecosystems, making it easier for developers to implement and update their chosen upscaling solutions.
DirectSR won’t replace Nvidia DLSS, AMD FSR, or Intel XeSS. Microsoft’s tool is an interface that gives game data to upscaling solutions. DLSS, FSR, and XeSS use most of the same data inputs. This allows Direct Super Resolution to act as an intermediate later that allows all available upscaling solutions to easily interface with games. Once DirectSR is added to games, it’s trivial to enable new super resolution technologies.
(Image from 4gamer)
With Direct Super Resolution, it’s easier to developers to update their games with the latest versions of each upscaler. When AMD releases new upscaler versions like FSR 3.1, support for the new upscaler could be implemented with a simple file swap.
Microsoft thinks it may be possible for DirectSR to be used to apply new/improved super resolution techniques to games without game updates. This could allow old games to look better without official game updates. If this becomes a reality, gamers will no longer need to mod older titles to add the improvements of newer version of DLSS or FSR.
(Image from 4gamer)
DirectSR doesn’t have a release date
Sadly, Microsoft has not officially released their Direct Super Resolution tools to developers. That said, AMD and Nvidia are on board, which should mean that this new tool will become publicly available. Intel will likely officially support DirectSR in time. They need all the help they can get when it comes to gaining GPU market share. Broader support for XeSS will help with that, and DirectSR support is a great way of potentially achieving this.
You can join the discussion on Microsoft’s DirectSR Super Resolution integration tools on the OC3D Forums.
