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Microsoft Unveils DirectX ‘Advanced Shader Delivery’ to Cut PC Game Load Times

The cloud-based system debuts on Asus ROG Xbox Ally handhelds via the Xbox PC app ahead of a broader AgilitySDK release in September.

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Microsoft just blitzed PC game load times by 85%, starting with Asus Xbox Ally X
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Overview

  • Microsoft will precompile shaders in the cloud using a new State Object Database and deliver a matching Precompiled Shader Database with game downloads.
  • The company reports launch times reduced by as much as 85% in Avowed, with claims of up to 10x faster starts plus smoother play and lower first‑run power use.
  • Initial rollout is limited to the Xbox PC app on AMD-based ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X devices, with broader storefront and PC support planned through the upcoming SDK.
  • The AgilitySDK is scheduled for September to enable developers and stores to integrate the system, with support for existing games targeted afterward.
  • Windows will use the preloaded shaders on first run, update the cache after driver changes, and fall back to on-device compilation if a suitable PSDB is unavailable.