DirectStorage moves compressed graphics data from the hard disk to the graphics card’s VRAM without a detour via the CPU. Since the graphics card decompresses data much faster, the load on the processor is reduced by 20 to 40 percent and game performance is accelerated. Game developers using DirectStorage can offer sharper, more detailed textures and larger game worlds that can be rendered without judder, dropouts or glitches with the appropriate hardware.
Integrated DirectStorage also means that game developers can add more elements, such as NPCs, or create open worlds like those in Final Fantasy XIV. Faster rendering means objects don’t suddenly appear but are components of the visible game world. One of the first PC games to offer support for DirectStorage is the fantasy action role-playing game Forespoken from renowned developer Square Enix. If gamers are to really benefit from the faster technology, decompression and transfer of data needs to be considered as early as the game development stage. Because without games with DirectStorage functionality, any hardware advantages aren’t going to speed up load times all that much.