Microsoft has unveiled a significant advancement for PC game performance. The latest DirectX 12 AgilitySDK (1.618) adds a feature called Advanced Shader Delivery, designed to eliminate stutters and lengthy load times caused by shader compilation. The technology has finished testing and begins rolling out to players on October 16.
One of the persistent issues in modern PC games—especially titles built on Unreal Engine 5—is microstuttering caused by on-the-fly shader compilation. High-end GPUs don’t always prevent these interruptions, and developers have often tried to mask them with upscaling or post-launch patches. Microsoft is tackling the root cause: shaders will be compiled ahead of time during the game’s installation. As a result, players will receive a ready-to-use shader package on first launch—without pauses or waiting.
The company says the solution will deliver console-like smoothness and load times on Windows 11. It’s powered by a State Object Database (SODB)—specialized databases containing precompiled shaders. Developers can generate these databases during production and bundle them with installers, updates, and DLC. That approach should ensure cache hits for every shader, eliminate stuttering, and speed up startup.
Microsoft expects support to roll out across major game storefronts—Xbox App, Steam, and Epic Games Store. The ROG Xbox Ally will be the first device to receive Advanced Shader Delivery, with the update commencing on October 16. Gamers will get precompiled shaders when they download titles, enabling immediate, lag-free launches.
The technology is backed by leading GPU vendors:
- AMD — released a compiler plugin in the AgilitySDK Developer Preview 25.10.07.01;
- NVIDIA — collaborating with Microsoft on tools to remove freezes and shorten load times;
- Intel — has pledged full support in November;
- Qualcomm — will integrate the feature into Adreno graphics on upcoming mobile devices.
If developers adopt these new tools, the microstutters and slowdowns that plague many PC games should finally diminish. Titles built on UE5 and DirectX 12 will launch faster, run more consistently, and come closer to the smooth experience consoles deliver.
Source: iXBT.games