Microsoft is taking one more steps in radiation monitoring technology, which aims to increase realism in game graphics. The company plans to publish in April DirectX Raytracing 1.2 (DXR 1.2) was introduced with the aim of increasing the beam monitoring performance up to 2.3 times. This new application programming interface was developed to make graphics calculations more efficient. The most important feature of the DXR 1.2 is that it contains two new technologies that require compliance with both hardware and software. Microsoft says that not only a theoretical increase, but a direct improvement in game engines.
Two basic technologies that come with DXR 1.2, Opacity Micromaps (OMM) and Shader Execution Reordering (Ser) stands out. These technologies provide a great advantage in graphic calculations by simulating the interaction of light with surfaces more accurately. While Opacity Micromaps accelerates the translucent calculations of complex surfaces, the Shader Execution Reortering increases productivity by rearranging the workload on the GPU. However, in order for all these developments to be available in games, not only the software, but also the hardware side must support these technologies. At this point, Microsoft emphasizes that he works in cooperation with hardware manufacturers.
Hardware manufacturers offer different levels of support to new technologies
Microsoft has established close contact with hardware manufacturers in the sector with DXR 1.2. Cooperations with large manufacturers such as Nvidia, AMD, Intel and Qualcomm play a critical role in the spread of technology. According to Microsoft’s information, Opacity Micromaps Technology Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 20 The series is supported from the graphics cards. This means that the technology in question can be used in many systems already on the market. Intel is the new generation Celestial (XE3) The GPU says that he plans to offer OMM support in his family.
On the Shader Execution Reordering side, the support is more limited. This feature is only Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 40 It can be used from the series. Although Intel aims to integrate Ser support to future GPUs, it has not yet announced a clear time schedule. AMD On the side, the situation is watching behind. The graphics cards with RDNA 2, RDNA 3 and RDNA 4 architecture offer neither OMM nor Ser support. However, Microsoft says that the integration of these technologies with AMD is being studied.
Qualcomm, on the other hand, is an important actor in the mobile field with integrated GPU solutions, but currently supports neither OMM nor ser technologies. Although the company states that it will include these features in the new generation integrated GPUs, it is not yet clear when it will be implemented. In spite of everything, Microsoft says that DXR 1.2 will direct not only today’s hardware, but also for future generation devices. This makes preparation for developers who are interested in technology.
On the other hand, DXR 1.2 has a significant potential to trigger a significant transformation not only technically but also in the sectoral. Remedy Entertainment Some game developers work with Microsoft to integrate these new technologies into game engines. In this way, it may be possible to directly see the visual improvements provided by the DXR 1.2 in the games that will be released in the future. However, how quickly developers will adopt these technologies are among the most important elements that directly affect the experience of players. In other words, although performance gain potential has the potential, it may take time to become widespread.
In addition to all these, the technologies offered by DXR 1.2 must be made suitable for this new API in order to find a response to the field. The steps that developers will take in this regard will determine the extent to which graphics quality will increase. However, it is clear that these improvements will have no effect in systems without hardware support. Therefore, players will have to review their systems in order to fully benefit from new generation technologies. This will be a decisive element for both individual users and hardware manufacturers.
DirectX Raytracing 1.2 It stands out as an update that can be effective in both hardware and software world. Microsoft’s work in this area paves the way for the radiation monitoring technology to reach wider audiences. In any case, time, cooperation and hardware support is of great importance in order to ensure that such technological leaps can be effective in the game industry. The effects of DXR 1.2 may be limited in the short term; However, in the medium and long term game graphics are likely to experience a visible transformation. This means a process that needs carefully for developers and players who follow technology.