Microsoft Unveils DirectSR to Streamline Super Resolution Integration in Games

At the Game Developers Conference 2024, Microsoft introduced DirectSR (Direct SuperResolution), a groundbreaking technology aimed at simplifying the integration of upscaling techniques in games. Shawn Hargreaves, Development Manager at Microsoft's Direct3D division, presented this new tool on March 21, highlighting the industry's growing need for versatile upscaling solutions across different hardware platforms.

DirectSR, a new DirectX API, offers a unified interface for integrating various super-resolution techniques, supporting major CPU and GPU vendors like NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. This initiative responds to the demand for more adaptable and seamless upscaling options in PC games, reflecting on recent controversies over the absence of features like AMD FSR or NVIDIA DLSS in major titles.

The API will provide built-in variants of Direct SuperResolution for all hardware types, while also allowing for hardware-specific options. Developers can select from the enumerated techniques to best suit their games, ensuring optimal performance and quality. Microsoft's integration of AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution 2 (FSR2) into DirectSR illustrates the commitment to making advanced upscaling accessible without requiring extensive custom coding.

However, for technologies like NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution, developers will need to supply a set of common inputs to enable the feature, including source color and depth images, motion vectors, and exposure settings, among others.

The presentation at GDC 2024, which also featured insights from AMD and NVIDIA representatives, underscored the collaborative effort in the tech industry to enhance gaming experiences through better image quality and performance optimization.