Microsoft has announced that DirectStorage has finally arrived on Windows. The tech, previously used in Xbox Series X consoles, means PC games that support it will not only have more expansive and detailed in-game worlds but will have faster load times as well.
If you are unfamiliar with DirectStorage, it is an I/O system that was introduced in the Xbox Series X. DirectStorage is designed to use hardware compression and fast solid state drives (SSDs) to improve load times and reduce the CPU’s workload, allowing the processor to focus on demanding elements such as physics or adding more NPCs.
Back in 2020, a couple of months before the Xbox Series X launch, Microsoft promised to bring this critical piece of tech to PCs.
An overview of how DirectStorage works. | Image: Microsoft
As detailed in the latest DirectX Developer Blog, Microsoft says that DirectStorage is compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines. However, the tech giant strongly encourages the use of Windows 11, as the newer operating system has the latest storage optimizations built-in.
Although Microsoft has not disclosed exactly which games will support DirectStorage, we know that the action-RPG Forspoken will be among the first. Although Forspoken was recently delayed to October, a virtual presentation at GDC next week will explain and break down how Luminous Productions implemented the DirectStorage API during development.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
