Next-generation consoles like the Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5 know just how to take full advantage of modern hardware. These consoles make use of different functions, or APIs, so that the components can be exploited much better. For example, on the one hand, we have DirectStorage, which takes advantage of the latest generation SSD to (almost) eliminate game load times. and on the other hand we have quick resumewhich enables suspend a game to change to another and be able to pick up the first one right where we left off without having to load it from scratch.
The first of the functions, DirectStorage, is already available in Windows 10 and Windows 11, as long as our PC meets the requirements to be able to use this API. Thanks to it, when we play compatible titles, we can see a total reduction (almost elimination) of loading times. We can check if our computer supports it from its own windows game bar.
But, if we players are missing something, it is a function similar to Quick Resume. Computers are perfectly capable of allowing us to suspend, or hibernate, a game on the hard drive and resume it later when we go to play. A function that is much appreciated, especially when there are games (like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla) that take almost 5 minutes to load.
Now him Xbox hardware manager, has hinted that Windows might receive a Quick Resume, or something similar, very soon. Something that, without a doubt, is great news.
Microsoft dropping hints that it’s thinking about bringing Xbox Quick Resume or something similar to Windows. This would be great for PC gamers. Here’s Roanne Soanes, head of Xbox hardware, discussing improving the Windows experience here https://t.co/8eT87PhYoy
May 11, 2023 • 16:59
The arrival of this function in the PC world is clearly due to the arrival of portable game consoles, such as the Steam Deck or the new ASUS ROG Ally. Thanks to her, we will gain the possibility of be able to pause games at any time and pick them up later, right where we left off. No loading screens. Without having to go through the title. Nothing.
It is a function similar to that of suspending (or, rather, hibernating) the PC, since it is in charge of dumping the process from RAM to the hard disk to later restore it and have the PC as we had it at the beginning.
The developers, the main ballast
Microsoft is clear about bringing this functionality to Windows, but which games will support it? It’s a shame that developers don’t bother to offer the same gaming experience on PC as on consoles. For example, with DirectStorage, only one game has added support for it: Forspoken. The challenge games (including those from Microsoft) do not support this technology. Even in games that on Xbox do take advantage of it (such as Forza Horizon 5), on PC the loading times are eternal.
For now, we can only wait to see if and when Microsoft finally ends up including this functionality in its system, since nothing is confirmed yet. Also, if developers don’t support these APIs on PC, there’s little point in Microsoft allowing us to remove load times, or use Quick Resume on PC.
