AMD just sent out a press release about HITMAN using DirectX 12, in what has been described as the best implementation yet of Async Compute Engines.
Three weeks ago we had spotted a GDC 2016 session about HITMAN's usage of DirectX 12, but at that time nothing had been officially confirmed. Here's what AMD had to say, specifically:
AMD is once again partnering with IO Interactive to bring an incredible Hitman gaming experience to the PC. As the newest member to the AMD Gaming Evolved program, Hitman will feature top-flight effects and performance optimizations for PC gamers.
Hitman will leverage unique DX12 hardware found in only AMD Radeon GPUs—called asynchronous compute engines—to handle heavier workloads and better image quality without compromising performance. PC gamers may have heard of asynchronous compute already, and Hitman demonstrates the best implementation of this exciting technology yet. By unlocking performance in GPUs and processors that couldn’t be touched in DirectX 11, gamers can get new performance out of the hardware they already own.
AMD is also looking to provide an exceptional experience to PC gamers with high-end PCs, collaborating with IO Interactive to implement AMD Eyefinity and ultrawide support, plus super-sample anti-aliasing for the best possible AA quality.
This partnership is a journey three years in the making, which started with Hitman: Absolution in 2012, a top seller in Europe and widely critically acclaimed. PC technical reviewers lauded all the knobs and dials that pushed GPUs of the time to their limit. That was no accident. With on-staff game developers, source code and effects, the AMD Gaming Evolved program helps developers to bring the best out of a GPU. And now in 2016, Hitman gets the same PC-focused treatment with AMD and IO Interactive to ensure that the series’ newest title represents another great showcase for PC gaming!
It looks like Square Enix is at the forefront of AAA publishers diving into DirectX 12 territory. HITMAN may be the first one to release, but Deus Ex: Mankind Divided was the first one to be announced and there are also hints that DX12 support may eventually come to Rise of the Tomb Raider, too.
Let's hope that other AAA publishers and indeed, the game industry as a whole can soon follow in these footsteps. After all, who doesn't love better performance and/or graphics?
HITMAN, due to release on March 11 (though there will only be two missions, with more to be added through the year), will have a beta soon on PS4 and PC. The system requirements were unveiled just yesterday via Steam.
