AMD FidelityFX SDK: Integration of Advanced Graphics

AMD is announced the release of its Software Development Kit (SDK) for FidelityFX, which provides game creators with an easy-to-use toolkit for integrating AMD technology into their games. While many gamers are aware with “FidelityFX” largely through its Super Resolution technology, it is crucial to remember that AMD FidelityFX is a full library that includes a variety of components, FSR being just one of them.

Similar to NVIDIA GameWorks middleware software, AMD has developed its own version that combines multiple technologies into a single library, offering game developers easier access and faster implementation paths. Until now, incorporating these technologies together was a complex process, as each tool was available separately.

During the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in March 2023, AMD announced the forthcoming release of its first FidelityFX SDK, which would eventually include technologies like FSR 3.0. Although FSR 3.0 is not yet available, the SDK itself has been made public today.

Game developers can now download the FidelityFX suite, accompanied by extensive documentation that serves as a manual, complete with examples and guides on how each technology can enhance graphics and visuals. AMD has ensured that the SDK maintains a consistent style, allowing developers to quickly familiarize themselves with its capabilities.

Additionally, AMD has introduced three new technologies, bringing the total number of technologies in the SDK to 13:

FidelityFX Blur 1.0: This library offers highly optimized functions for common blurring operations, including Gaussian blur and radial blurs.

FidelityFX Depth of Field 1.0: It implements a high-quality Depth of Field (DOF) filter, complete with bokeh effects.

FidelityFX Lens 1.0: This feature provides an optimized library for lens effects such as chromatic aberration, film grain, and vignetting.

The existing FidelityFX technologies included in the SDK are:

• FidelityFX CACAO (aka AMD FidelityFX Ambient Occlusion) 1.3
• FidelityFX CAS 1.1
• FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR)
• FidelityFX LPM (aka AMD FidelityFX HDR Mapper) 1.3
• FidelityFX Parallel Sort 1.2
• FidelityFX SPD (aka FidelityFX Downsampler) 2.1
• FidelityFX SSSR (aka FidelityFX Screen Space Reflections) 1.4 and FidelityFX Denoiser 1.2
• FidelityFX Variable Shading 1.1
• FidelityFX Hybrid Reflections 1.1
• FidelityFX Hybrid Shadows 1.1

Developers and graphics enthusiasts can download the SDK, which is only 129MB in size, from the provided link.

What is the AMD FidelityFX SDK?

The AMD FidelityFX SDK is a straightforward and integrated solution for developers seeking to incorporate AMD FidelityFX technologies into their games without the complexities of intricate porting procedures. In essence, it serves as AMD FidelityFX graphics middleware.

Background:

Since the first introduction of AMD FidelityFX technologies a few years ago, AMD has become one of the industry’s most frequently utilised and trusted technology partners. AMD’s outstanding open-source technology can now be found in over 250 games made by some of the industry’s greatest brands.

As AMD FidelityFX technologies gained popularity, it saw a potential to improve the integration experience for developers. The AMD FidelityFX SDK is the result of their commitment to making all of it’s exceptional AMD FidelityFX technologies more simple, structured, and consistent.

Key features of the SDK include

• A consistent standard and style that significantly enhances user-friendliness.
• Simplified application spawning, allowing us to focus on core algorithm details rather than boilerplate setup code.
• A re-architected graphical framework that is robust, ready, and Application Programming Interface agnostic. This enables the development of effects across multiple targets simultaneously. It also serves as a comprehensive guide for creating custom backend implementations for developers’ own multi-platform engines.
• Extensive documentation to assist developers in understanding and implementing the SDK’s features.
• Complete pre-built solutions for all effects, taking much of the guesswork out of the implementation process. Most effects can be supported in under 20 lines of code.
• However, for those who prefer manual integration, the option to manually integrate the code remains available. AMD has simply reorganized the structure on disk and cleaned up the code for improved consistency.

AMD invites developers and graphics enthusiasts to download the AMD FidelityFX SDK from the provided link. With this SDK, developers can effortlessly integrate advanced graphics technologies into their games, further enhancing the visual experience for players.