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Further details about Windows 10 Game Mode emerge

by Mark Tyson on 7 March 2017, 10:01

Tags: Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Windows 10

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At the GDC last week Microsoft's Eric Walston, from the Xbox Advanced Technology Group, provided a more detailed analysis of Windows 10 Game Mode than we had previously seen / heard. Walston explained that currently a game is just another process in Windows but Game Mode will go further: to exclusively devote certain CPU resources to the game.

CPU - Game Mode implications

An example of an octa-core CPU in a PC was given in a report by Ars Technica. With Game Mode active six of the cores could be dedicated to gaming while the other two take care of essential system tasks. Clearing the gaming-focussed cores of other processes reduces thread contention and improves performance.

It will be interesting to see if the above changes really make it worthwhile to have a modern octa or hexa-core CPU rather than a high clockspeed dual or quad-core for gaming.

GPU - Game Mode implications

Windows will already give GPU processing priority to the top focus or maximised window. In Game Mode "the system gives an even greater majority of GPU cycles to the active game, reducing the time available for everything else," reports Ars Technica.

Additionally at GDC, Walston explained that game assets would get favourable GPU memory residency for smoother performance and better quality.

Windows 10 Game Mode, as discussed by Microsoft at the GDC, will debut in the Windows Creators Update which is scheduled for release next month. All PCs will get a 2 to 5 per cent boost using the mode, said Microsoft back in January.



HEXUS Forums :: 18 Comments

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From the Ars Technica article…
Overall, though, Walston said that the long-term goals continues to be bringing Windows and Xbox together as a single platform. “When we add new features to Windows, they transfer to Xbox,” he said. ", the line between console and PC is continuing to blur… The line dividing Windows and Xbox continues to become more of a gradient of features and functionality."
I don't particularly like the idea of blurring the line between console and PC, people don't spend hundreds of pounds on a gaming PC just to have Microsoft gimp it so games can run on their £250 console, then again maybe blurring the lines will cut down on the amount of shoddy PC/console ports and they won't reduce things to the lowest common denominator.
Corky34
From the Ars Technica article…

I don't particularly like the idea of blurring the line between console and PC, people don't spend hundreds of pounds on a gaming PC just to have Microsoft gimp it so games can run on their £250 console, then again maybe blurring the lines will cut down on the amount of shoddy PC/console ports and they won't reduce things to the lowest common denominator.

Not really a game player anymore and don't own a console but I agree with the sentiment. I'm sure MS will at least give PC users more advanced options. If ‘Scorpio’ uses Ryzen/Vega (unlikely I know) maybe optimisation for multiple cores/threads & HBC will alleviate that (1st World :) LOL) anxiety?
Corky34
I don't particularly like the idea of blurring the line between console and PC, people don't spend hundreds of pounds on a gaming PC just to have Microsoft gimp it so games can run on their £250 console, then again maybe blurring the lines will cut down on the amount of shoddy PC/console ports and they won't reduce things to the lowest common denominator.

Excuse me, um, yes, I'd like my lines professionally blurred please. Can I get them just blurry enough for access to all console titles and better porting, but not quite so blurry as to require branded controllers, locked environments and games that are only tech demoes on rails? That's great, thank you.
Iv'e lost all faith in the Microsoft team working on windows 10.

You do know game mode will also be dumbed down so it helps people play games on a phone or tablet too right?
Ozaron
Excuse me, um, yes, I'd like my lines professionally blurred please.

I think a optometrist can help you with that. :D ;)