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Microsoft’s new Advanced Shader Delivery technology enables Forza Horizon 6 to boot in just 4 seconds on compatible hardware, a significant improvement over standard load times. The feature is limited to RDNA 3+ GPUs and requires Xbox Insider access, marking a major step in reducing game load times on Windows PCs.
Microsoft has confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 now launches in just four seconds on supported hardware, thanks to its new Advanced Shader Delivery technology. This development significantly reduces load times for PC gamers using RDNA 3 or later GPUs, marking a major milestone in gaming performance improvements.
Microsoft’s Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) system, which was initially announced last year for Xbox ROG Ally devices, has now been integrated into Windows 11 PCs running supported GPUs. Using ASD, Forza Horizon 6 on a system with an RX 7600 GPU and Ryzen 7 5800 CPU achieved a first-launch load time of four seconds, compared to nearly a minute and a half without ASD. The technology works by precompiling shaders and storing them in a cloud-based database called the Precompiled Shader Database (PSDB). When a game is downloaded, ASD detects the system configuration and downloads the precompiled shaders, enabling instant game launch.
Why It Matters
This advancement matters because it addresses one of the last remaining bottlenecks in PC gaming: long load times. By drastically reducing startup times, ASD enhances user experience and competitiveness with console platforms, which have long used precompiled shaders for faster load times. It also paves the way for more seamless gaming sessions and could influence future game development and hardware optimization strategies.
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Background
Microsoft’s ASD technology builds on existing shader precompilation concepts used in consoles and some Linux-based systems like Steam Deck. The tech was announced last year for Xbox ROG Ally and has now expanded to Windows 11. Currently, ASD is limited to RDNA 3 and later GPUs and requires the Xbox Insider program for access. Other GPU manufacturers like Nvidia and Intel are developing similar features, with Nvidia’s ‘Auto Shader Compilation’ and Intel’s ‘Precompiled Shader Distribution’ offering comparable functions. The rollout is expected to expand as the technology matures and gains broader support across platforms and hardware.
“Advanced Shader Delivery enables game shaders to be precompiled and stored in the cloud, allowing for near-instant game launches.”
— Microsoft spokesperson
“Achieving a 95% reduction in load times on Forza Horizon 6 demonstrates the potential of cloud-based shader precompilation to revolutionize gaming performance.”
— Hassam Nasir, hardware enthusiast
What Remains Unclear
It is still unclear when ASD will be available to all Windows users or on non-RDNA 3 GPUs. Support for other marketplaces beyond the Microsoft Store and Xbox PC app has not been announced. Additionally, the long-term stability and compatibility of ASD with various hardware configurations remain to be seen as the technology is still in preview.
What’s Next
Microsoft is expected to expand ASD support to more GPUs and platforms in the coming months. Further updates are anticipated as the company works with hardware partners to integrate ASD into broader gaming ecosystems. Gamers and developers will likely watch for official rollout timelines and performance benchmarks.
Key Questions
Which GPUs support Advanced Shader Delivery?
ASD currently supports RDNA 3 and later GPUs, including AMD’s RX 7600 and newer models. Support for other GPU brands is in development.
Do I need to be part of the Xbox Insider program to access ASD?
Yes, ASD is available as a preview feature through the Xbox Insiders Hub app, which requires enrollment in the program.
Will ASD work with all games on Windows 11?
Currently, ASD is limited to games downloaded via the Microsoft Store or Xbox PC app that support the technology. About 34 titles are expected to support ASD initially.
Can Nvidia and Intel GPUs benefit from similar technology?
Yes, Nvidia has a feature called ‘Auto Shader Compilation,’ and Intel offers ‘Precompiled Shader Distribution,’ which are similar but not yet integrated with ASD. Support for these is expected to expand later this year.
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