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March 9-13, 2026
Moscone CenterSan Francisco, CA

Agenda

Evolving DirectX for the ML Era on Windows (Presented by Microsoft Xbox)

Max McMullen  (Partner Director, Software Engineering, Microsoft)
Hisham Chowdhury  (Fellow Software Development Engineering, AMD)
Steven Tovey  (Senior Principal Engineer, GPU Architecture, Intel)
Don Brittain  (Distinguished Engineer, NVIDIA)
Location: Room 2024, West Hall
Date: Thursday, March 12
Time: 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Pass Type: Festival Pass, Game Changer Pass - Get your pass now!
Audience Level: All
Track: Game & Production Technology
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: Not Recorded
Audience Level: All
Microsoft Xbox

Machine learning is reshaping graphics, and DirectX is evolving to meet this moment. This session explores how we're enabling neural rendering on Windows by introducing linear algebra capabilities in HLSL, unlocking dedicated hardware acceleration for AI operations and allowing developers to embed lightweight models directly in shaders. We'll also look ahead to the challenges of scaling beyond hand-authored shader models and share our vision for how we will eventually allow any developer to integrate entire models into their engines. Join us to learn how these innovations lay the groundwork for the next generation of real-time graphics and what they mean for the future of gaming.

Takeaway

Attendees will learn how DirectX advances ML on Windows, starting with enabling neural rendering through new Linear Algebra capabilities in HLSL. We will also share our vision for how we will eventually allow any developer to integrate entire models into their engines. The session presents practical examples and a forward‑looking view of scalable, real‑time graphics powered by ML.

Intended Audience

This session targets developers exploring how machine learning reshapes real‑time rendering. The audience is expected to understand modern GPU programming and HLSL fundamentals. Those familiar with shader authoring, model integration workflows, or engine‑level systems will benefit most.