ARK Developer: DirectX 12 Is Very Complicated

I can’t remember any API in history that has gotten as much mainstream awareness and coverage as DirectX 12 has. From what I understand, it deserves it too, but more importantly, the developers also truly believe that the API can truly mark a generational shift in video game graphics. For instance, the developer of ARK: Survival Evolved, who is currently working on releasing a DirectX 12 update for the game, believes in its potential- in spite of the complications that it brings with it potentially.

“DX12 is a new technology and it’s very complicated even for the largest teams to get everything working smoothly. We care greatly about this but want the experience to be extremely polished and exactly what people expect. The DX11 technology the engine is built on is extremely mature and DX12 just isn’t ready for us yet for a variety of reasons. It just comes down to other technical wins like server performance and general client optimization that apply to ALL users being our first priority for now,” the developers said in response to a question in a Reddit AMA.

It makes sense, too- from what I understand, DirectX 12 is very different from how previous APIs worked and compiled and executed code, different in the system calls it makes and how it makes them. Yes, this leads to massive performance benefits, but at the same time, it also means that any tangible benefits from it may take a while to manifest- which is a bit disappointing, but good things come to those who wait anyway.