The PC release of Horizon Forbidden West has been met with positive feedback, despite mixed opinions on the original game. One of the key features of the PC version is the inclusion of upscalers such as DLSS, FSR, and XeSS, as well as support for ultrawide monitors and the use of DirectStorage. However, there is a notable absence of AMD’s frame generation system in the current version. In a conversation with the senior director and principle programmers at Nixxes, the reason for this delay was revealed – they are waiting for AMD to release the next update of FSR.
According to Michiel Roza, the Principal Optimization Programmer at Nixxes, the decision to wait for FSR 3.1 was to ensure that the latest and greatest technology is integrated into the game. While AMD did launch FSR 3 with a shader-based frame interpolation algorithm in September 2023, there have been no significant updates to the system since then. On the other hand, Nvidia introduced DLSS 3 Frame Gen in September 2022, along with its Ada Lovelace GPUs and has made tweaks to the system multiple times. This indicates a need for game-specific tweaking of frame generation algorithms, particularly with regards to UI elements such as inventory slots, health bars, and compass.
Jurjen Katsman, the Studio Head and Senior Director of Nixxes, highlighted the need for game-specific adjustments in frame generation algorithms, especially when it comes to UI elements. The UI elements in games are typically added after rendering has been completed, either immediately after post-processing or in a separate pass before display. AMD’s FSR 3 documentation emphasizes the importance of special attention to the UI to avoid issues such as garbled or out-of-sync displays. The announcement of FSR 3.1 at the Games Developer Conference (GDC) focused on improving the quality of the upscaler, with the update set to be available to developers in the second quarter of the year.
As Nixxes is likely just gaining access to the new FSR 3.1 software kit, it may take some time before a patch for Horizon Forbidden West incorporating the improved Frame Generation is released. The emphasis on game-specific tweaking and ensuring compatibility with UI elements suggests that the integration of FSR 3.1 into the game requires careful consideration and testing. This delay underscores the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and advancements in frame generation algorithms for optimal performance and quality in PC gaming experiences.
While the absence of AMD’s FSR system in the current version of Horizon Forbidden West may be disappointing for some players, the decision to wait for FSR 3.1 shows a commitment to integrating the most advanced technology for an enhanced gaming experience. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, developers like Nixxes are faced with the challenge of balancing performance enhancements with game-specific adjustments to ensure a seamless and enjoyable gameplay experience for PC players. By staying informed and adapting to the latest developments in frame generation algorithms, developers can continue to push the boundaries of PC gaming and deliver unparalleled experiences to gamers worldwide.
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