480°

Rumor: AMD’s Mantle API is a direct copy of Xbox One’s low level API

AMD recently announced their new Mantle API. This API has been said to give AMD a significant advantage over their competitor Nvidia in terms of in-game performance. Anandtech speculates that AMD might be confident of this because their Mantle API is a direct copy of Xbox One’s Graphics API allowing developers to directly port their games from Xbox One to PC. Since Mantle can use Direct3D high level shader language, Xbox One’s shader will be already coded in the first place so there is not much work involved in porting them to PC.

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gearnuke.com
thrust3865d ago

This seems like great news for the xbox one

Fishy Fingers3865d ago

How does it? If anything it means easier and better PC ports of Xbox one titles and if you read the article it's already been contradicted by a bigger source:

"Update: Digital Foundry issues the exact opposite statement. According to Digital Foundry, the Mantle API appears to have much in common with PS4′s GNM API"

PFFT3865d ago

So the Mantle API has much in common with the Xbox One and Ps4's API. Thats good news to me.

JonnyLH3865d ago (Edited 3865d ago )

Digital Foundry said they're common in the idea of writing lower down, they didn't say it supports Mantle. The PS4 still uses its PSSL and LibGCN libraries like it always has done.

DeadlyFire3865d ago (Edited 3865d ago )

Well AMD made both system's GPUs. PS4/1BX both are structured around GPGPU compute. Mantle is to take the load off the CPU. So it sounds to me like its PC version of GPGPU compute API to assist DirectX and OpenGL platforms. Basically its an API for the inner workings beyond what DirectX and OpenGL themselves handle. Likely with compatibility with both HLSL, and GLSL.

P0werVR3865d ago

Wowzer!

So Sony chose x86 for porting and Microsoft went a step further and worked with AMD?!

If true, smart move by Microsoft. Probably this is why there is an NDA by the 29th.

Just speculations for now.

ShinMaster3865d ago

"Update:

Article updated with Digital Foundry info. Digital Foundry thinks the Mantle API appears to have much in common with PS4′s GNM API."

mewhy323865d ago

That it's related to both the PS4 and the bone's API is actually a good thing. As the PS4 sells by the tens of millions and the bone by the millions, AMD will be in a great position to pander this API to the devs for easier game porting between platforms. Pretty exciting stuff.

KazHiraiFTW3865d ago (Edited 3865d ago )

The new consoles both use x86 architecture like PCs. What this means is developers want to tap into the power of PCs more and are now able to use PC as the lead platform for all games and scale down to consoles, which greatly improves development efficiency. This is also the reason AMD is now able to implement this new Mantle API, which further improves the performance of PC games. This new generation is looking to be a big improvement over the last for all platforms.

Ju3865d ago (Edited 3865d ago )

This will never happen. XBox is DirectX. Nothing else. A low overhead version, none the less. But you can't bypass DX on the Xbox (one). There is no way in h..l that AMD can get below DX access to (their own) chipset without MS controlling it. Maybe that's unfortunate. But this is MS's business practice. MS controls the OS incl. the HW access.

At the same time, I can believe that AMD was involved in Sony's low level GNM library and Mantel might as well be a "AMD version" of the same thing, with the addition that it will run on PCs. At same time, Sony's API is so small, that Mantel should easily wrap around GNM. So, well, even if Sony won't offer this directly (which I doubt they will) there is nothing preventing AMD from releasing a version for the PS4.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3865d ago
Kuse3865d ago

Agreed, this seems to be like a huge plus for Xbox One.

Gimmemorebubblez3865d ago

People need to understand the following
-Mantle is not the standard, all PC games fall back on DX and both consoles have DX11.2.(1)
-Consoles have their own low level API’s that allow coding to the metal. Mantel is an API meant for PC games, that improves OPC on the CPU compared to OGL or DX.
-This is a rumor has been shot down by TechGAF and Digital Foundry

pacostacos3865d ago

ps4 doesn't have dx 11. anything its a Ms exclusive the Ps4 uses open gl

Ju3865d ago

Playstation(s) don't use OpenGL. It uses some custom library (libGCM/GNM). Sony offers a PSGL (OpenGL compatible) library out of convenience. But that's about it.

forcefullpower3864d ago

@Tooly

That just mean the console can do anything that is in the DX and OpenGL libraries and a lot more. Nothing more than a compatibility matrix. The console does not use Direct X.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3864d ago
Mike134nl3865d ago (Edited 3865d ago )

Not really console API already did and do the same thing, allowing developers to go to the bone of the console. Though it seems that mantle API seems to be somewhat dependant to AMD architecture it is open source and could even be used by Nvidia.

This could be a boom/great news for pc gamers and steam meaning more competition from pc's for the ps4 and xb1.

WarThunder3865d ago (Edited 3865d ago )

If this rumor is true, Then AMDs API will be compatible with both PS4 and X1 not only X1

http://n4g.com/news/1362393...

amnalehu3865d ago

Sounds like good news for PC.

2cents3865d ago

Foundry Vs. Anandtech

Fight Fight Fight!!!

wishingW3L3864d ago

both equally respectable, so things could get interesting with both saying different things. XD

nunley333864d ago (Edited 3864d ago )

it did till the story was updated, now its a ps4 story,zing! either way,this actually good news for pc games.

BallsEye3864d ago

AMD confirmed anandtechs article. It is for XO and PC.

https://twitter.com/AMDRade...

So I was right.

PrimeGrime3864d ago (Edited 3864d ago )

That article says this could be for both PS4 and Xbox One also. It never confirms anything or says that for a fact it is just Xbox One and PC.

It even says this. Did you even read it all yourself?

"Let’s be very clear here: AMD will not discuss the matter let alone confirm it, so this is speculation on our part."

You were far from right. Your previous comments basically say that this is only for the Xbox One and that only Microsoft could afford to use this as a fact. When none of this information has facts and again is pure speculation.

The same old grasping at straws a lot of you Xbox One fans have been doing non-stop. Sad when you can't even read the information you are sourcing, instead you all act like MisterX just picking and choosing what works for your console wars arguments.

It never actually once states it is specifically for the Xbox One as a fact.

"What’s not being said, but what becomes increasingly HINTED at as we read through AMD’s material, is not just that Mantle is a low level API, but rather Mantle is the low level API. As in it’s either a direct copy or a very close derivative of the Xbox One’s low level graphics API."

How is that definitive proof when in the previous paragraphs of that article it says this.

"Perspective #2: The Console Connection

However even with a basic understanding of draw calls and their overhead, so far we haven’t really explained why Mantle exists, and indeed the entire frame of reference that Mantle resides in requires better understanding just why it exists. If Mantle was merely about providing a new low level API for GCN, then the issue would be far more straightforward, and Mantle in most likelihood remain an underutilized curiosity. Instead we have to talk about what is not said and not even hinted at, but what is more critical than Mantle’s performance improvements: the console connection.

As the supplier of the APUs in both the Xbox One and PS4, AMD is in a very interesting place. Both of these upcoming consoles are based on their GCN technology, and as such AMD owns a great deal of responsibility in developing both of these consoles. This goes not only for their hardware but also portions of their software stack, as it’s AMD that needs to write the drivers and AMD that needs to help develop the APIs these consoles will use, so that the full features of the hardware are made available to developers."

That is why I can't even take some of these tech sites seriously. One minute they say one thing, the next minute they say the complete opposite. Why? Site hits.

... and now look the entire article was started from what Digital Foundry has said, now it has been updated, saying the complete opposite to prove my point further.

All you Xbox fans grasping at rumors, look like fools once again. Just like every idiot who told me to wait till the 26th.. Then the 27th and again it got pushed back to the 30th, now the person who even started all these rumors about this non disclosure agreement are claiming it will never come, now we have to wait years because Microsoft will hide it.

How delusional can you be to not see straight through all this crap?

When this comes from Microsoft's mouth, come back and talk about the superior technical aspects of software and hardware the Xbox One offers, until then stop making yourselves look anymore foolish than you already have as nothing in what you provided proves anything.

How about you actually read it all first.

thisismyaccount3864d ago

Xbox One dx 11.<1> gpu, dx11.<2> via software "tweaks".

PS4 "libgcm" 11.<2> gpu and 11.<2+> via software "tweaks".

Both have their LLD, and are prolly way more sophisticated than what Mantle.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 3864d ago
BallsEye3865d ago

well, new series of their GPU were created in collaboration with MS, they've basicly sponsored a lot of the research. To remind you XBOX ONE deal with AMD costed MS over 3 billion! I'm sure they didn't pay that price for 1.3 tflop gpu..especially that sony paid nothing compared to that. Something must be up.

Kayant3865d ago

How were the new GPUs in collaboration with MS when it was confirmed by an Xbox engineer that PS4 and XB1 are using rebranded OEM HD7* series cards a.k.a HD8000 Sea Island---> http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

"sony paid nothing compared to that" Semi-custom am pretty sure they paid quite a bit as well seeing as it's not a standard APU/architecture that can be found anywhere else like the XB1's.

Obviously MS paid more has their solution is completely custom from the base Jaguar architecture but they don't collaborate with AMD on the Volcanic Islands series expect you have information that says otherwise.

BallsEye3865d ago (Edited 3865d ago )

@Kayant

"it's not a standard APU/architecture that can be found anywhere else like the XB1's. "

Are you serious??? The whole XB1 Soc, whole APU and everything else is totally custom.

It was on hotchips and is on plenty of sites just write it in google. You just lost all your credibility. Get your info straight.. wtf.

http://techreport.com/news/...

http://www.pcworld.com/arti...

While ps4 got semi-custom APU XO have it a fully custom one.

http://www.tomshardware.com...

They didn't pay 3+ billion for nothing. Money that unfortunately Sony can not pay and you know it. Money always win, that's how it works.

Please stop posting lies. Misleading people is not good.

BG115793865d ago (Edited 3865d ago )

For what it's worth :
"The Frostbite Mantle used with Frostbite 3 engine powered Battlefield 4 is a new API which would be used naively instead of DirectX 11.1 on compatible Radeon GPUs to enable higher graphics performance."

"This enables upto 9 time more draw cells per seconds than other APIs such as DirectX 11 for instance by reducing the CPU over head load which is than tasked upon the GPU hardware since its easily accessible. It also allows developers to include more optimization work from next gen game consoles to PCs which in return means the benefit for PC Gamers."
In sum, not for consoles, just for PC.

http://wccftech.com/frostbi...

Ju3865d ago

"They didn't pay 3+ billion for nothing. Money that unfortunately Sony can not pay and you know it. Money always win, that's how it works. "

Makes you how MS could end up with the weaker chip after all those customizations and money spent, huh?

Kayant3864d ago

@BallsEye

Wooow how am i misleading people when I said "Obviously MS paid more has their solution is completely custom from the base Jaguar architecture"....

All I said was that Sony paid quite a bit aswell but not the same as MS because their solution is completely custom.

Re-read my comment before calling me a lair please. "like the XB1's" is there for a reason you know.

Seeing as there is no documentation that says MS & AMD worked together to make the new Volcanic Islands series GPU I don't see how am the one lying here.

Bud19143864d ago

AMD basically killed Digital Foundry's article and confirmed the Xbox rumor via a tweet.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3864d ago
Belking3865d ago

lol...you mean you hope it isn't.... Don't forget who has the 3 billion dollar deal with AMD. It's MS. As we get closer to NDA expiration we are finding out more stuff about xbox-one just like i said.

grassyknoll3865d ago

Microsoft's deal is with 3 billion over the course Xbox One, from percentage from sales of consoles over its life time, not a one time investment. That's more than the whole company is worth.

Gimmemorebubblez3865d ago

And you know what.......even though Sony spent less (which is not known), they still created a weaker system.

PsychOff3864d ago

FACE PALM.. People still going on about the NDA.. Explains why you are down to one bubble now.

DeadManIV3865d ago

glad its on PC, finally PC gaming on steam OS is where its at (along with PS4 - too many exclusives to consider not buying it)

WarThunder3865d ago (Edited 3865d ago )

That what i always say, PC/PlayStation is the best gaming combination ever!
PC multiplatforms, PS4 exclusives (from their great first party studios).

BG115793865d ago

Wait, where do people get this info? I watched yesterday AMD's conference, and this wasn't stated at any point...

Are some people trying to launch another rumour, for those few hopeful that still believe that the Xbone still has some sort of leverage against the PS4?

Plus anyone that saw the AMD's conf should know this, the mantle thing is completely unnecessary for the Xbone or any other console fixed hardware. Mantle is only necessary for PC because the hardware is different in each PC. Mantle would permit to optimize each PC in an individual automaticly to obtain a perfect optimization.
Optimization of consoles is made with system updates and good software made by the games developers.

Kleptic3865d ago

exactly...coding to the metal is the primary benefit consoles offer over PC's...as a platform...

DirectX 11.1 has some features to address this, with the ability to off-load specific cpu tasks to certain gpu's...but just like everything in the PC world, its only relevant if a developer actually takes the time to do it...which they rarely do...

This goes even deeper down the same path...just as you said...the 'fixed' nature of a console is exactly why optimization gets huge priority...the only thing fixed in gaming PC's right now...is Windows...not the hardware...

So if Dice/AMD are able to provide a decent showcase for what mantle is capable of...then great, it'll benefit PC gaming more than anything...and begin to remove the absolutely retarded overhead windows as an OS still requires during game play...but if its just another smoke and mirros type of thing, much like what dx 11.1 has been so far (all kinds of talk of features, and absolutely no credible benefit yet to consumers)...it'll quickly be forgotten...

doesn't matter how similar mantle is to either console's set of low level drivers/api's...this is NOTHING new for console coding...they've always done this, and its the main reason consoles can never be directly compared to PC hardware...but this could be very big for PC gaming...if it gets support and is used by devs...

so i'll see what happens in December...I'll have BF4 day one on PC...and get well over a month in before mantle is released...should give me a good idea of whether or not this is just more marketing...or something actually beneficial to...you know...the people that buy the games...

zippycup3865d ago

yes this is a win for Microsoft but on PC only as they have a monopoly on the PC or so i have heard might be a rumor

think the only ones that have to worry are Linux and apple maybe ??

Bud19143864d ago

Sorry but AMD tweeted that the story was an excellent description of their Mantle and linked the article. That about solidifies it as fact.

syne493865d ago

So excited for the release of these consoles. If for anything to put an end to the rumors and speculations. I want to hear about games way more than I do tech. We need to get back to discussing games not hardware.

Kleptic3865d ago

this has absolutely nothing to do with either console though...I don't know why it was even tagged for the consoles...

this is a possibly large benefit for PC gaming as a platform...addressing coding issues created by Windows...where as, windows as a platform for gaming, doesn't allow nearly as efficient use of hardware compared to a 'simpler' OS like that of a console...

regardless of what mantle ends up being, if it works, or if its supported by game makers...it has nothing to do with either console...doesn't matter which its similar to...the 'coding to the metal' feature set used for either the xbox one or PS4 HAVE to be used just to get a game running...on PC, this is more related to better utilization of existing hardware...

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270°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv721d 2h ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle13h ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic188110h ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio10h ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning775h ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga12h ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

shinoff218311h ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga10h ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan6h ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

romulus235h ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv725h ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 5h ago
purple10115h ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos14h ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-4h ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac14h ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad14h ago(Edited 14h ago)

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple10113h ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos13h ago(Edited 13h ago)

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic11h ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead5h ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 5h ago
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300°

Microsoft Seemingly Closes Bethesda France

As part of its plans to cut 1,900 jobs, Microsoft has reportedly shut down operations at Bethesda France, letting go roughly 15 people

Read Full Story >>
insider-gaming.com
Hereandthere1d 22h ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN1d 20h ago

If they are let go, they can be whatever they want. They ARE 3rd party now... 🤦

Barlos1d 17h ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

GamerRN1d 10h ago

They can form a company if they want, they are just as jobless as if "Microsoft had left them as 3rd party".

peppeaccardo1d 12h ago

"MIcrosoft leaves Bethesda do what they know how to do best" ... close! Oh the irony ....
(Citation from a week old article)

ChasterMies1d 8h ago

I think Microsoft and other game publishers are letting people go because they think ai will replace them. Doesn’t matter how much profit they make. They were always going to be let go.

PassNextquestion1d 22h ago (Edited 1d 22h ago )

Bethesda France was made up of roughly 15 people... they couldn't of being doing much

Bethesda France mainly did publishing and marketing within the region

blacktiger1d 20h ago

that's a shame for you to say that, i'm sure Elite loves hearing what you just said.

Mr Logic1d 6h ago

What a stupid thing to say. The elites give 0 fucks what we say on an obscure website in the comments section.

Crows901d 5h ago

You can always reach out and give them jobs at your company man. Don't wait

blacktiger2h ago

You own nothing snd be happy. I'm sure you heard that

Profchaos1d 22h ago (Edited 1d 22h ago )

Bethesda France focused on publishing and marketing in the region. And 15 people lost their jobs as part of the closure.

I wonder if this is part of Microsoft's strategy to abandoned physical media or possibly gamepass advertising makes their roles redundant you don't need to market a game as hard when the majority of players get the game as part of a sub which already promoted upcoming games

Tacoboto1d 21h ago

It's France too, there's a high likelihood only 1-2 people on the team even had an Xbox.

Profchaos1d 21h ago

Possibly guven all the leaks we know the Xbox brand is really struggling in the region.

Yi-Long1d 18h ago

Well, if your consoles and games are barely found in any stores any more, of course you're gonna struggle finding consumers ...

XiNatsuDragnel1d 21h ago

Tbh Microsoft I think Bethesda being 3rd party same with Activision would probably more competitive than thus scenario imo

Profchaos1d 19h ago (Edited 1d 19h ago )

I think it would have been better for all parties really especially gamers

TheColbertinator1d 20h ago

The recently purchased Activision French offices might take over all the licensing and marketing for Microsoft in France from now on.

Show all comments (23)
100°

Make your next GPU upgrade AMD as these latest-gen Radeon cards receive a special promotion

AMD has long been the best value option if you're looking for a new GPU. Now even their latest Radeon RX 7000 series is getting cheaper.

Father__Merrin4d ago

Best for the money is the Arc cards

just_looken4d ago

In the past yes but last gen amd has gotten cheaper and there new cards are on the horizon making 6k even cheaper.

The arc cards are no longer made by intel but asus/asrock has some the next line battlemage is coming out prices tbd.

Do to the longer software development its always best to go amd over intel if its not to much more money even though intel is a strong gpu i own 2/4 card versions.