Spider-Man 2 PC Port Performance Woes Attributed to DirectStorage GPU Decompression
The PC port of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has been plagued by performance issues since its release. One culprit identified by tech channel Compusemble on X is the implementation of DirectStorage.
DirectStorage is a Microsoft API that streamlines the transfer of compressed game assets from an SSD to the graphics card's VRAM. By reducing CPU overhead, it allows for faster loading times and improved performance.
However, Spider-Man 2 is using the GPU decompression option in DirectStorage, which relies on the graphics card to handle decompression. While this can alleviate CPU load, it can also lead to performance degradation, especially in games with demanding graphics settings or open-world environments.
Nixxes Software, the developer behind the port, has previously used DirectStorage without issue in other PlayStation ports. However, Spider-Man 2's use of GPU decompression may be a contributing factor to its performance problems.
Disabling GPU decompression could potentially resolve the issue, but it may also introduce new performance bottlenecks on machines with weaker CPUs. Additionally, the PS5 has dedicated hardware for asset transfer and decompression, a feature not present on gaming PCs, which may contribute to the disparity in performance.
Some industry observers speculate that Nixxes Software's increased workload, with seven major porting projects completed in just two years, may have affected Spider-Man 2's development. With Sony's focus on simultaneous PC releases for its flagship titles, it remains to be seen whether Nixxes will have the capacity to address performance issues effectively and maintain the quality of future ports.