Stalkers!
We previously announced the project's transition from DirectX 9 to DirectX 12, and now we're happy to share the details!
What's new:
It's no secret that the project currently uses the rather old and outdated graphics API – DirectX 9.
Using DX9 has always limited our technological and artistic capabilities.
Due to this, there are project optimization issues, incorrect resource allocation, and other unpleasant problems.
As the project's developers, we want to rectify this situation and further develop our project, reaching new horizons, without the burden of the past.
This year, the STAY OUT project will completely transition from DirectX 9 to DirectX 12, without retaining the ability to use DirectX 9.
The decision not to use DirectX 9 in conjunction with DirectX 12 was due to the significant difficulties in simultaneously supporting multiple graphics APIs, as well as the significant increase in the transition time to DX12. Changes are needed now.
What will change for players?
Currently, the game is largely limited by the main CPU thread. This means that the resources of modern processors and graphics cards are not fully utilized.
The transition to DirectX 12 will allow:
- Improved stability and average FPS;
- More efficient load distribution between threads;
- Better utilization of multi-core processors;
- Reduced frame lag;
- Reduced location loading times and faster resource allocation.
DirectX 12 removes many of the limitations we previously encountered:
- More dynamic light sources and shadows, and improved performance;
- Updated reflection system (Reflection Probes + SSR);
- Transition to more modern rendering models;
- The ability to create more complex materials and effects.
This will gradually make the image deeper, more realistic, and more detailed without placing excessive strain on the system.
Modern graphics cards significantly outperform processors in computing power. DirectX 12 enables more active use of graphics cards not only for rendering but also for computational tasks.
This paves the way for:
- Offloading some complex calculations to the graphics card;
- Implementing resource-intensive gaming systems without significant issues;
- More stable operation under high loads.
It's also important that the transition to DirectX 12 makes it technically possible to integrate many modern technologies, such as DLSS, FSR, XeSS, and others.
We will focus on demand and the feasibility of implementing these technologies.
Some performance improvements will appear immediately after the transition, and further optimization will continue as the system evolves.
This new foundation brings us closer to leveraging modern graphics capabilities and allows us to develop the project without the architectural limitations inherent in older APIs.
Simply put, it frees our hands. We will be able to more quickly implement new solutions, experiment, and adapt the game to different PC configurations without the compromises that were previously inevitable.
To summarize, the transition to DirectX 12 means:
- Increased performance and better project optimization;
- Improved image quality and detail;
- Accelerated loading and resource allocation;
- Access to modern technologies (DLSS, FSR, XeSS, and others);
- A foundation for the continued development of STAY OUT for years to come.
We understand that for some players, this update will require hardware upgrades.
This is a difficult decision, but without it, the project's further development would be seriously limited.
Work on the transition is actively underway, meaning the estimated date for the full transition is Winter Update 2026.
Note! This deadline is preliminary and may change due to various technical issues.
The new technological base is the next, extremely important step in the project's development. Thank you for staying with us.
With respect and optimism,
Stay Out Team