We’ve gotten a pretty good look at how the Xbox Series X and PS5 hardware will stack up against each other, and now Microsoft and Nvidia have just revealed the new application programming interface (aka API) that will power next-generation games. Meet DirectX 12 Ultimate, the first universal graphics API designed to work across consoles and PCs. The current generation of consoles, the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, were already so close to being gaming PCs in terms of hardware, and this new API will make development between all the consoles that much easier and faster – and hopefully lead to more console exclusives coming to the PC too. One of the biggest features DirectX 12 Ultimate brings is standardized ray tracing. DirectX Ray Tracing has been floating around for some time now, but rather than powering one off versions of Minecraft, this new version of DXR promises to support more than 30 released and announced games. For the longest time we've known that both the next-generation consoles would feature ray tracing but we didn't know what software would be powering it since AMD has yet to introduce a ray tracing platform like Nvidia's GeForce RTX technology. Now it appears all ray tracing on the Xbox Series X and PS5 will be powered by DirectX 12 Ultimate. [youtube clip_id="eqXeM4712ps"] Since Nvidia co-developed DXR 1.1 with Microsoft, it uses many of the same underlying mesh shader techniques to generate real-time ray traced graphics. The GPU maker also announced DirectX 12 Ultimate games will be fully compatible with its GeForce RTX technology. AMD might not have played a direct hand in developing DXR 1.1, but the company announced its RDNA 2 architecture in both desktop graphics cards and both consoles will be ready to take full advantage of the new API's ray tracing capabilities. DirectX 12 Ultimate also incorporates many of the variable rate shading techniques Nvidia introduced with its Turing series of graphics cards. For the uninitiated, variable rate shading is essentially a more intelligent way of rendering detail, so your GPU doesn’t waste unnecessary cycles and power. This way your GPU (or console in this case) can better focus on keeping frame rates up rather than trying to display everything on the screen at its maximum visual fidelity. There are multiple techniques at play here, including content adaptive shading that basically mattes together similar looking textures, or motion adaptive shading that reduces the level of detail around fast moving objects and scenery. [youtube clip_id="QvIXvF6r--A"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam

We’ve gotten a pretty good look at how the Xbox Series X and PS5 hardware will stack up against each other, and now Microsoft and Nvidia have just revealed the new application programming interface (aka API) that will power next-generation games. Meet DirectX 12 Ultimate, the first universal graphics API designed to work across consoles and PCs. The current generation of consoles, the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, were already so close to being gaming PCs in terms of hardware, and this new API will make development between all the consoles that much easier and faster – and hopefully lead to more console exclusives coming to the PC too. One of the biggest features DirectX 12 Ultimate brings is standardized ray tracing. DirectX Ray Tracing has been floating around for some time now, but rather than powering one off versions of Minecraft, this new version of DXR promises to support more than 30 released and announced games. For the longest time we've known that both the next-generation consoles would feature ray tracing but we didn't know what software would be powering it since AMD has yet to introduce a ray tracing platform like Nvidia's GeForce RTX technology. Now it appears all ray tracing on the Xbox Series X and PS5 will be powered by DirectX 12 Ultimate. [youtube clip_id="eqXeM4712ps"] Since Nvidia co-developed DXR 1.1 with Microsoft, it uses many of the same underlying mesh shader techniques to generate real-time ray traced graphics. The GPU maker also announced DirectX 12 Ultimate games will be fully compatible with its GeForce RTX technology. AMD might not have played a direct hand in developing DXR 1.1, but the company announced its RDNA 2 architecture in both desktop graphics cards and both consoles will be ready to take full advantage of the new API's ray tracing capabilities. DirectX 12 Ultimate also incorporates many of the variable rate shading techniques Nvidia introduced with its Turing series of graphics cards. For the uninitiated, variable rate shading is essentially a more intelligent way of rendering detail, so your GPU doesn’t waste unnecessary cycles and power. This way your GPU (or console in this case) can better focus on keeping frame rates up rather than trying to display everything on the screen at its maximum visual fidelity. There are multiple techniques at play here, including content adaptive shading that basically mattes together similar looking textures, or motion adaptive shading that reduces the level of detail around fast moving objects and scenery. [youtube clip_id="QvIXvF6r--A"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam

With a global shortage of surgical masks due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, gaming hardware company Razer has begun manufacturing masks to donate to hospitals in need globally. Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan announced last night on Twitter that "[Razer] intend[s] to donate up to 1M masks to health authorities of different countries." While Razer is known primarily for its keyboards, mice, and other computer peripherals, this is quite a departure from illuminated gaming gear. Tan firmly believes that "all of us have a part to play in fighting the virus – no matter which industry we come from."

We intend to donate up to 1M masks to the health authorities of different countries globally. For starters, we’ve been in touch with the authorities in Singapore (where the @Razer SEA HQ is based) to donate some of the initial shipments to assist their fight against COVID-19.

— Min-Liang Tan (@minliangtan) March 19, 2020

Razer has been working tirelessly over the past couple of days, including 24-hour shifts, to convert its existing manufacturing lines in order to produce the surgical masks. Tan also mentioned he and his team have been in touch with authorities in Singapore (where Razer's HQ is located) to donate some of its initial shipments. The remainder of Razer's global offices will be reaching out to other governments and health authorities to prioritize its support going forward. It's important to stay safe during this global pandemic. We've put together a page to help answer any questions you may have around safety, and how you can help contribute to fighting the virus. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matthew Adler is a News and Features writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter or watch him stream on Twitch.

With a global shortage of surgical masks due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, gaming hardware company Razer has begun manufacturing masks to donate to hospitals in need globally. Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan announced last night on Twitter that "[Razer] intend[s] to donate up to 1M masks to health authorities of different countries." While Razer is known primarily for its keyboards, mice, and other computer peripherals, this is quite a departure from illuminated gaming gear. Tan firmly believes that "all of us have a part to play in fighting the virus – no matter which industry we come from."

We intend to donate up to 1M masks to the health authorities of different countries globally. For starters, we’ve been in touch with the authorities in Singapore (where the @Razer SEA HQ is based) to donate some of the initial shipments to assist their fight against COVID-19.

— Min-Liang Tan (@minliangtan) March 19, 2020

Razer has been working tirelessly over the past couple of days, including 24-hour shifts, to convert its existing manufacturing lines in order to produce the surgical masks. Tan also mentioned he and his team have been in touch with authorities in Singapore (where Razer's HQ is located) to donate some of its initial shipments. The remainder of Razer's global offices will be reaching out to other governments and health authorities to prioritize its support going forward. It's important to stay safe during this global pandemic. We've put together a page to help answer any questions you may have around safety, and how you can help contribute to fighting the virus. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matthew Adler is a News and Features writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter or watch him stream on Twitch.

You may remember The Messenger, the 2018 ninja 'em up that sliced between 8- and 16-bit art styles. Developer Sabotage has announced a prequel game that pivots to an entirely different genre: the classic turn-based RPG. Watch the debut trailer above. Sea of Stars is set hundreds of thousands of years before The Messenger and follows two playable main characters as they train to defeat the villainous Fleshmancer. Sabotage says it is "inspired by the classics," and at a glance it definitely gives off Chrono Trigger and Secret of Mana vibes. The turn-based combat features timed hits and active defense options, reminiscent of the systems in Super Mario RPG and the Mario & Luigi games. [caption id="attachment_232217" align="alignnone" width="720"] The combat system is reminiscent of Super Mario RPG.[/caption] Sabotage's mission is to make games with retro aesthetics but modern design, and to that end you'll notice some features right away that would not have been possible in the '90s games from which it draws inspiration. A dynamic lighting system renders a day-to-night cycle that creates realistic shadows you don't normally see in 2D pixel-art games. Players have much more freedom to explore the environment, and are able to swim across bodies of water, climb cliffs, or vault off ledges. Sea of Stars is still early in development and isn't planned for release until 2022 on PC and (presumably next-gen) consoles. A Kickstarter was just launched today where you can learn more.

You may remember The Messenger, the 2018 ninja 'em up that sliced between 8- and 16-bit art styles. Developer Sabotage has announced a prequel game that pivots to an entirely different genre: the classic turn-based RPG. Watch the debut trailer above. Sea of Stars is set hundreds of thousands of years before The Messenger and follows two playable main characters as they train to defeat the villainous Fleshmancer. Sabotage says it is "inspired by the classics," and at a glance it definitely gives off Chrono Trigger and Secret of Mana vibes. The turn-based combat features timed hits and active defense options, reminiscent of the systems in Super Mario RPG and the Mario & Luigi games. [caption id="attachment_232217" align="alignnone" width="720"] The combat system is reminiscent of Super Mario RPG.[/caption] Sabotage's mission is to make games with retro aesthetics but modern design, and to that end you'll notice some features right away that would not have been possible in the '90s games from which it draws inspiration. A dynamic lighting system renders a day-to-night cycle that creates realistic shadows you don't normally see in 2D pixel-art games. Players have much more freedom to explore the environment, and are able to swim across bodies of water, climb cliffs, or vault off ledges. Sea of Stars is still early in development and isn't planned for release until 2022 on PC and (presumably next-gen) consoles. A Kickstarter was just launched today where you can learn more.

Filming of the Friends Reunion Special for HBO Max has been postponed for at least two months amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer were all set to return to the original soundstage, where the show started out about 25 years ago, to film the unscripted special on March 23 and March 24, but production has now been pushed back until at least May. A source told EW that the cast reunion remained on target to debut on HBO Max at launch. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=everything-coming-to-hbo-max&captions=true"] The reunion special was officially given the green light in February of this year, just a few months after reports of its development had surfaced in November. In the formal announcement, Kevin Reilly, the chief content officer of HBO Max and president of TBS, TNT, and truTV, said: "Guess you could call this the one where they all got back together — we are reuniting with David, Jennifer, Courteney, Matt, Lisa, and Matthew for an HBO Max special that will be programmed alongside the entire Friends library. "I became aware of Friends when it was in the very early stages of development and then had the opportunity to work on the series many years later and have delighted in seeing it catch on with viewers generation after generation. It taps into an era when friends – and audiences – gathered together in real-time and we think this reunion special will capture that spirit, uniting original and new fans." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-delayed-movie-due-to-coronavirus-so-far&captions=true"] The Friends Reunion Special joins a growing list of movie and TV productions affected by COVID-19, including Amazon's Lord of the Rings TV series, which has suspended production for at least two weeks, Netflix's The Witcher Season 2, which has also paused filming for two weeks in London, and FX's Fargo Season 4, which has been put on hiatus, and as a result, the show's April 19 premiere date has also been pushed. As we continue to update you on the industry shifts and delays, remember to please take a look at our list of recommendations to help, and stay safe, during the Coronavirus pandemic. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Filming of the Friends Reunion Special for HBO Max has been postponed for at least two months amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer were all set to return to the original soundstage, where the show started out about 25 years ago, to film the unscripted special on March 23 and March 24, but production has now been pushed back until at least May. A source told EW that the cast reunion remained on target to debut on HBO Max at launch. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=everything-coming-to-hbo-max&captions=true"] The reunion special was officially given the green light in February of this year, just a few months after reports of its development had surfaced in November. In the formal announcement, Kevin Reilly, the chief content officer of HBO Max and president of TBS, TNT, and truTV, said: "Guess you could call this the one where they all got back together — we are reuniting with David, Jennifer, Courteney, Matt, Lisa, and Matthew for an HBO Max special that will be programmed alongside the entire Friends library. "I became aware of Friends when it was in the very early stages of development and then had the opportunity to work on the series many years later and have delighted in seeing it catch on with viewers generation after generation. It taps into an era when friends – and audiences – gathered together in real-time and we think this reunion special will capture that spirit, uniting original and new fans." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-delayed-movie-due-to-coronavirus-so-far&captions=true"] The Friends Reunion Special joins a growing list of movie and TV productions affected by COVID-19, including Amazon's Lord of the Rings TV series, which has suspended production for at least two weeks, Netflix's The Witcher Season 2, which has also paused filming for two weeks in London, and FX's Fargo Season 4, which has been put on hiatus, and as a result, the show's April 19 premiere date has also been pushed. As we continue to update you on the industry shifts and delays, remember to please take a look at our list of recommendations to help, and stay safe, during the Coronavirus pandemic. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate director Masahiro Sakurai has said that development on the game's next DLC fighters may have to go on hold indefinitely while Japan and the rest of the world struggle with COVID-19. Sakurai explained in his latest Famitsu magazine column (translated by IGN Japan) that just one patient at developer Sora's office would prevent any work on new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/30/super-smash-bros-ultimate-byleth-dlc-review"] “If someone is found to be infected, the entire building will be closed down and development will be halted altogether,” he said. In light of this, Sakurai explained that there was little point in announcing who the next fighter is, as they may not be able to follow through with plans. “Even if we did theoretically announce a new fighter, it’s possible that development would not continue as planned,” he explained. “Novel Coronavirus has cast a long shadow on game production,” he added. “Various software may be delayed or cancelled, but there’s nothing we can do about it. If people aren’t at work, then of course nothing will proceed as planned.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=even-more-characters-we-want-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate-pt-1&captions=true"] Many studios around the world now have staff working from home, allowing development to proceed while also allowing the recommended social-distancing tactics of pandemic prevention to play out. It appears from Sakurai’s comments that staff on the Super Smash Bros. project may not be currently able to work at home, or at least that move would severely impede development. So far news of game delays have been minimal - Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Cyberpunk 2077 are still on track to hit their intended release dates - but the events side of gaming has been severely impacted, including the cancellation of E3 2020 and the potential cancellation of Gamescom. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter. 

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate director Masahiro Sakurai has said that development on the game's next DLC fighters may have to go on hold indefinitely while Japan and the rest of the world struggle with COVID-19. Sakurai explained in his latest Famitsu magazine column (translated by IGN Japan) that just one patient at developer Sora's office would prevent any work on new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/30/super-smash-bros-ultimate-byleth-dlc-review"] “If someone is found to be infected, the entire building will be closed down and development will be halted altogether,” he said. In light of this, Sakurai explained that there was little point in announcing who the next fighter is, as they may not be able to follow through with plans. “Even if we did theoretically announce a new fighter, it’s possible that development would not continue as planned,” he explained. “Novel Coronavirus has cast a long shadow on game production,” he added. “Various software may be delayed or cancelled, but there’s nothing we can do about it. If people aren’t at work, then of course nothing will proceed as planned.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=even-more-characters-we-want-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate-pt-1&captions=true"] Many studios around the world now have staff working from home, allowing development to proceed while also allowing the recommended social-distancing tactics of pandemic prevention to play out. It appears from Sakurai’s comments that staff on the Super Smash Bros. project may not be currently able to work at home, or at least that move would severely impede development. So far news of game delays have been minimal - Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Cyberpunk 2077 are still on track to hit their intended release dates - but the events side of gaming has been severely impacted, including the cancellation of E3 2020 and the potential cancellation of Gamescom. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter.