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Microsoft unlocks framerates for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) games and apps

Unlocked framerates and other changes have come about as a result of developer feedback.

David Craddock

May 10, 2016 12:35 PM

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Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform—a toolset that allows developers to streamline software to run on any Windows 10 device—is flexible. With it, any Xbox One owner will be able to flip a switch and turn their consumer-grade console into a development kit.

At the same time, Microsoft's UWP is somewhat inflexible. Since its introduction in 2015, developer such as Epic Games co-founder Tim Sweeney have taken both UWP and Microsoft to task for omitting integral features such as support for VR games and taking measures to, in Sweeney's words, baking in features exclusive to UWP that developers can use "only if you submit to the control of our locked-down UWP ecosystem. They’re curtailing users’ freedom to install full-featured PC software, and subverting the rights of developers and publishers to maintain a direct relationship with their customers" (per Gamasutra).

In a new DirectX Developer Blog, Microsoft's Bryan Langley has attempted to put developers at ease by broadcasting a clear message: "We're listening, and acting."

As one of the principal program managers at Microsoft, Langley is in the perfect position to back up his words with actions. Case in point: Windows 10 will receive an update that will unlock framerates in UWP games and apps, and add support for AMD’s Freesync and NVIDIA’s G-SYNC, protocols meant to sync up frames to reduce tearing.

"Once applications take advantage of these new features, you will be able to play your UWP games with unlocked frame rates," Langley wrote. "We expect Gears of War: Ultimate Edition and Forza Motorsport 6: Apex to lead the way by adding this support in the very near future."

The update to Windows 10 will be deployed later today, or you can grab it from Microsoft here.

Langley and the rest of the DirectX and UWP teams are already looking ahead to more technical advancements. "You can expect to see some exciting developments on multiple GPUs in DirectX 12 in the near future, and a truly impressive array of DirectX 12 titles later this summer and fall," he said.

David Craddock

Long Reads Editor

David L. Craddock writes fiction, nonfiction, and grocery lists. He is the author of the Stay Awhile and Listen series, and the Gairden Chronicles series of fantasy novels for young adults. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing Mario, Zelda, and Dark Souls games, and will be happy to discuss at length the myriad reasons why Dark Souls 2 is the best in the series. Follow him online at davidlcraddock.com and @davidlcraddock.