Microsoft has introduced a new App Programming Interface (API) for PC game developers on Windows. This new API, called DirectSR, aims to help game developers by simplifying the process of integrating super resolution AI-upscaling features from various vendors like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel into their titles.

Microsoft’s DirectSR API: Availability

The tech giant noted that the DirectSR API will be available soon through a preview version of the Microsoft Agility Software Development Kit (SDK).Developers can expect a deeper dive into its usage during a dedicated session at the upcoming Game Developers Conference (GDC) set to be held on March 21. This event will include representatives from Microsoft, Nvidia and AMD.

How this API will help game developers

In a blog post, Microsoft’s program manager Joshua Tucker explains how the new DirectSR API is the “missing link” between games and super resolution technologies. He claims that the new API should provide “a smoother, more efficient experience that scales across hardware.”
“This API enables multi-vendor SR [super resolution] through a common set of inputs and outputs, allowing a single code path to activate a variety of solutions including Nvidia DLSS Super Resolution, AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution, and Intel XeSS,” the blog post notes.

With DirectSR API, developers won’t have to write codes for each and every upscaling technology. This new API offers a unified approach and will help developers to activate various super resolution solutions from various chipmakers. This is expected to simplify game development and may even improve game compatibility with diverse hardware.
This announcement follows the discovery of an “Automatic Super Resolution” feature in a Windows 11 test build. These hints at AI-powered upscaling capabilities are expected to arrive within the popular PC operating system.
However, instead of developing its own alternative, Microsoft may leverage existing solutions like Nvidia’s DLSS, AMD’s FSR, and Intel’s XeSS for its DirectSR API.