Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PC Port Performance Issues Stem from DirectStorage GPU Decompression
The newly released PC port of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has encountered technical difficulties, primarily due to the utilization of DirectStorage. This Microsoft API, intended to enhance data transfer efficiency between SSDs and GPUs, appears to be detrimental to performance in this particular game.
Investigation by Compusemble indicates that Spider-Man 2 employs the GPU decompression feature of DirectStorage, which can overburden the GPU and lead to performance degradation. Unlike the PS5, which possesses dedicated hardware for such tasks, PCs rely on the CPU and GPU for data decompression.
Nixxes Software, responsible for the PC port, has a proven track record with previous Sony game conversions. However, the specific use of GPU decompression in Spider-Man 2 appears to be a departure from their previous approach.
Disabling GPU decompression via a patch could potentially resolve the issue, but it may also introduce additional problems for PCs with weaker CPUs or in demanding game sections.
The situation raises concerns regarding Nixxes Software's workload, as they have been involved in seven porting projects in just over two years. The overlap in development timelines for multiple high-profile titles may have contributed to these performance issues.
Sony's commitment to bringing its major releases to PC as soon as possible may necessitate a reevaluation of Nixxes Software's capacity to handle such projects effectively. The Spider-Man 2 PC port serves as a cautionary tale, suggesting that it may be prudent for the studio to prioritize quality over quantity.