Helldivers 2 on PC requires around 150GB due to data duplication used to optimize loading times on HDDs, a method less effective on SSDs. The developers are exploring solutions to reduce the size and improve performance, but significant changes are limited by technical constraints and the need to support HDDs, which are still used by some players. An update is planned to address performance issues, and the game is also available on Xbox Series X/S.
Microsoft's DirectX 12 AgilitySDK 1.618, now out of preview, introduces advanced shader delivery to eliminate shader compilation stutters and long loading times in PC games, aiming to provide a console-like experience on Windows by distributing precompiled shaders during game downloads and supporting various hardware partners.
Upgrading a PS5 Pro with a WD_Black SN850X SSD offers additional storage and slightly improved loading times compared to the base PS5 and its predecessor, the WD_Black SN850. While the PS5 Pro's internal SSD still provides the fastest loading times, the added storage capacity of the SN850X is beneficial, especially with current discounts available. The installation process is straightforward, and the SSD is compatible with both the base PS5 and PS5 Pro, making it a worthwhile investment for gamers seeking more storage space.
Some users on Mozilla's Firefox browser have reported slower loading times on YouTube, with a delay of a few seconds before the page fully loads. A video posted on Reddit shows that when spoofing the user agent of Firefox to appear as Chrome, YouTube loads up normally without any delay. This suggests that Google may be intentionally slowing down YouTube loading times for Firefox users. While Google has attributed the slowdown to ad-blockers, it does not explain why loading is faster when Firefox is spoofed as Chrome. The cause of the issue is unclear, but it could be a technical bug or a deliberate choice by Google.
The Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 has been found to have incredibly slow loading times when pausing the game during cutscenes, taking over 10 seconds to display the pause screen. This issue raises concerns about the overall performance of the classic game collection, although a day one patch may potentially address the problem.
Blizzard has implemented support for Microsoft's DirectStorage in Diablo 4, but it is not yet enabled. DirectStorage is expected to reduce loading times, but may slightly increase CPU usage. The game currently does not require a high-end CPU.
Blizzard has confirmed that Microsoft DirectStorage API is indeed coming to Diablo IV in the future, which could improve loading times in the game. DirectStorage debuted on Xbox Series S|X consoles and was later launched on PC with Forspoken being the only game to support it. Crytek also announced its intention to support DirectStorage in Hunt: Showdown, but there is no official word on when the update will be shipped for either game.
