Microsoft unveiled plans to use Windows ML and DirectX for both game development and game play at the 2018’s Game Developers Conference.
Announced earlier this month, Windows ML is a runtime framework for neural networks on Windows 10. The new platform enables developers to build machine-learning models, trained in Azure, right into their apps using Visual Studio and run them on their PCs. In this game-oriented reveal, Microsoft Windows ML will primarily be used to enhance the game development process. DirectX Raytracing, a new feature of the DirectX API, aims to make games look more realistic.
Custom made Gameplays
Microsoft will use Windows ML to help developers leverage deep neural networks (DNN) to enhance their games. They will also make use of ML to naturally adapt a game to a player’s gaming style, such as a player’s in-game habits and change things on the fly. As an example, Microsoft says, “If you’re someone who likes to find treasures in game but don’t care to engage in combat, DNNs could prioritize and amplify those activities while reducing the amount or difficulty of battles.”
Better Game Development Process
Apart from gameplay, Microsoft will also use Windows ML for improving the game development process. This includes using Neural networks to perform some of the more difficult parts of creating assets and graphics, leaving artists and developers free to focus on other areas. Microsoft says. “The time and money that studios could save with tools like these could get passed down to gamers in the form of earlier release dates, more realistic games, or more content to play.“
Visual Quality Improvements
Windows ML will also be used to create and enhance Visuals. So, aliasing around objects in games can be smoothed out by tapping into machine learning models to determine the best color for each pixel.
Microsoft also showcased a new part of the DirectX API. The DirectX Raytracing (DXR) will allow developers to use the DXR in DirectX 12 to bring real-time raytracing to their games. At present, it can be used to enhance certain aspects of visual quality, all the while working to be a full replacement of rasterization in the future.
The full details are available on the official Microsoft Blog.