Microsoft Unveils Major DirectX Updates at GDC 2026
At GDC 2026, Microsoft announced significant updates to its DirectX API, including new machine learning capabilities, an advanced shader delivery system, and the next version of DirectX Raytracing (DXR 2.0). These advancements aim to push the boundaries of gaming visuals, performance, and developer efficiency.
ML-Powered DirectX: Enhancing Visuals and Performance
Microsoft is integrating machine learning (ML) into DirectX for enhanced gaming visuals and performance. This move introduces several key additions, allowing developers to leverage AI for more sophisticated rendering techniques and optimizations.
Cooperative Vectors in Shader Model 6.9
Introduced in Agility SDK 1.619, Cooperative Vectors in Shader Model 6.9 enable neural rendering techniques.
These techniques include Neural Texture Compression and Neural Radiance Caching. NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture already supports these technologies, and AMD is actively working on incorporating support into future architectures.
DirectX Linear Algebra
DirectX Linear Algebra is designed to support both vector and matrix-based ML workflows under a single programming model. This feature provides developers explicit control over math, data flow, and execution for complex shader-level ML scenarios. It will be rolling out for public preview in April, with strong support from AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA.
DirectX Compute Graph Copilier
A new DirectX ML compiler API, the DirectX Compute Graph Copilier, executes full model graphs with native GPU performance.
Benefits include unified tooling with PIX, enabling full model integration into engines without shader rewrites, automatic graph optimization, memory planning, operator fusion, and portable performance across hardware vendors.
This powerful tool will be available as a private preview this summer. AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm have all expressed their support for this initiative.
Advanced Shader Delivery: Tackling Stutters and Load Times
Microsoft introduced Advanced Shader Delivery for Windows, building upon its availability on Xbox ROG Ally and Ally X. This initiative directly addresses common PC gaming frustrations.
The goal is to mitigate shader compilation stutters and long load times on PCs by allowing game developers to provide pre-compiled shaders for specific hardware.
AgilitySDK 1.619 includes two new APIs to facilitate this:
App Identity API
This API enables applications to declare their identity to D3D12 and graphics drivers in a standardized manner. This declaration is a required step for submitting a Shader Object Database (SODB) file to the Xbox Partner Center.
Stats API
The Stats API provides game developers with crucial visibility. It offers insights into the performance of a precompiled shader database (PSDB) and its shader cache hit rate for specific hardware configurations.
Developers are required to integrate SODB collection into game engines and submit it with the game package. NVIDIA plans to bring Advanced Shader Delivery support to GeForce RTX users later this year. AMD and Intel are also actively working on broader support for their respective platforms.
DXR 2.0: The Next Generation of Raytracing
Microsoft is actively developing DXR 2.0 (DirectX Raytracing), a significant evolution in real-time raytracing technology.
DXR 2.0 will require support for Opacity Micromaps (OMM) and Shader Model 6.10 for full compliance.
Devices with partial support may still achieve Tier 1.2 if they lack OMM but retain other necessary features. Shader Model 6.10 further necessitates TriangleObjectPositions support.
The D3D12_RAYTRACING_TIER_2_0 standard requires all features from current and previous tiers. Some existing D3D12_RAYTRACING_TIER_1_1 hardware may support specific new features via driver updates, even without OMM. These features are currently under development, with an initial rollout and preview anticipated in late summer 2026.