Next week, AMD will introduce a neural network-based texture compression method that promises to significantly reduce the amount of game data that needs to be downloaded. In simple terms, the technology will allow games to take up less storage space and use less video memory for high-resolution textures without compromising image quality.
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Last year, Nvidia developers introduced a similar technology called Neural Random-Access Texture Compression (NTC). According to Nvidia, NTC provides 4x higher resolution (16x more texels) than traditional GPU-based block compression available in many formats.
AMD is working on a similar technology. The company will hold a presentation on July 2 called “Neural Block Texture Compression.” AMD representatives Shin Fujieda and Takahiro Harada will talk about the new texture compression method. “We will talk about “Neural Block Texture Compression” at EGSR2024 in London. Nobody likes downloading huge game packages. Our method compresses textures using a neural network and reduces the amount of data downloaded. At the same time, the runtime is not changed, so the method is easy to integrate into games,” says a statement published on the official AMD GPUOpen page on the X social network.
It is currently unclear whether AMD’s texture compression method is implemented at the driver level or whether it requires support from the game developers themselves. It is also unknown what hardware requirements this compression method will have.
Nvidia’s similar texture compression method has not yet been implemented in any game. Although AMD promises easy integration of its method into games, this does not guarantee its widespread use. However, the open source nature of the technology or its integration into the FidelityFX software package will likely make it more attractive to developers.
The role of neural networks in gaming will grow significantly in the future. Recently, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang hinted that the company may focus on improving texture quality with AI that will generate high-resolution objects in games.