Microsoft Unveils Advanced Shader Delivery
Marcus Thompson 
Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Advanced Shader Delivery is a new feature for PC gaming, developed by Microsofts DirectX team and AMD, that aims to reduce lengthy load times and stutters during game start-up.
- The technology precompiles shader information, which is delivered during the game download process via the Xbox PC app, leading to faster initial game access and smoother gameplay.
- Avowed demonstrated an impressive 85% reduction in startup times with Advanced Shader Delivery, contributing to more playtime and extended battery life.
- To implement this technology, developers must collaborate with Microsoft. The system stores shader information in a new unified format called State Object Database (SODB), replacing various game-specific formats. This data is consolidated into a Precompiled Shader Database (PSDB) and delivered through the Xbox PC store, ensuring games run smoothly from the outset.
Advanced Shader Delivery Revolutionizes PC Gaming for Faster Load Times and Smoother Gameplay
Microsoft’s DirectX team has unveiled a game-changing new feature for PC gaming: Advanced Shader Delivery. Unveiled on October 16 at the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X events, this technology aims to resolve one of PC gamers’ most common frustrations: lengthy load times and stutters that occur when starting games due to the need for graphic shader compilation and storage. Developed through a partnership between Xbox and AMD, Advanced Shader Delivery precompiles shader information. The Xbox PC app then delivers this data during the game download process, leading to faster initial game access and smoother gameplay. For instance, Avowed demonstrated an impressive 85% reduction in startup times, contributing to more playtime and extended battery life. To implement Advanced Shader Delivery, developers must collaborate with Microsoft. The system stores shader information in a new, unified format called State Object Database (SODB), replacing various game-specific formats. By separating the shader compiler from graphics drivers and consolidating SODB data into a Precompiled Shader Database (PSDB), Microsoft can deliver this crucial data through the Xbox PC store, ensuring games run smoothly from the outset. This initiative is set to significantly enhance the PC gaming experience by streamlining shader management. Image Credit: Microsoft.
In Case You Missed It
For gamers looking for more insight into the recent developments at Xbox, be sure to check out Bruno Pferd’s latest piece titled “Xbox Amidst Chaos: Company Makes Significant Decision, a Good One” (published on July 25, 2025). In this article, Bruno delves into how Xbox is navigating current market challenges by strategically reducing the price of The Outer Worlds 2. This decision not only benefits players but also sets an interesting precedent for future pricing strategies. To learn more about how this move could impact the gaming industry and gamer expectations, head over to our blog (Xbox Amidst Chaos: Company Makes Significant Decision, a Good One). For all you physical game enthusiasts out there, don’t miss the latest news from Xbox! Bruno Pferd’s article “Xbox: Great News for Physical Game Lovers,” published on July 26, 2025, brings exciting updates about Xbox potentially reversing pricing policies and possibly releasing games in physical format again. From The Outer Worlds 2 to Ninja Gaiden 4, there are signs of a resurgence in tangible game collections. Head over to Xbox: Great News for Physical Game Lovers to learn more! If you’re a fan of sharp political satire, don’t miss Sophie Laurent’s latest piece on the provocative new South Park episode tackling Donald Trump’s second presidency. Published just last week (July 25, 2025), this article delves into the episode’s audacious portrayal of Trump and his interactions with Canadian leaders and Satan himself. Plus, it covers the White House’s unexpected response to the satire. Dive in for a laugh—and perhaps a dose of controversy—by clicking over to South Park Satirizes Donald Trump, White House Responds.
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Avowed |
| Brief Summary | You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands - an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?
Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. The Living Lands is a place that feels foreign yet somewhat intrinsic to you as it feels the island itself is calling out to you for help. Explore an island home to many different environments and landscapes, each with their own unique ecosystem. Mix and match swords, spells, guns, and shields to fight your way. Dig into your grimoire for spells to trap, freeze or burn enemies, bash them with your shield, or use range bows to attack from a distance. Companions from a spread of species will fight alongside you, with their own unique set of abilities. From a former mercenary to an eccentric wizard, they will be part of your journey with your choices shaping them as you help them with their quests. |
| Platforms | PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S |
| Released | February 18, 2025 |
| Genre | Role-playing (RPG), Adventure |
| Play Modes | Single player |
| Content Rating | 19+ |
| Languages | English, Korean |
| Genre | Obsidian Entertainment |
| Genre | Xbox Game Studios |
| Ratings | 81/100 (57 reviews) |
About the Author
Jonathan Dubinski 
Ahmed Hassan 
Bruno Pferd 
Carlos Mendoza 
