AMD Hints at Steam OS / Linux Release of Their Mantle API

AMD have fired some shots over at the Nvidia team with a recent statement on their blog. They imply that AMD will be working with Linux much sooner than Nvidia will see any benefit of their latest DirectX 12 API, giving AMD an upper hand as Linux gains strength, especially in light of the Linux based SteamOS.

SteamOS and Mantle are a perfect pairing, as the lightweight OS and the to-the-metal nature of the API could offer tangible performance gains for gamers. This is also true of DirectX 12, but with Mantle having been put into practice much sooner than the new Microsoft DirectX 12, it certainly gives AMD a head start, not to mention it could be as much as 18 months before we see DirectX 12 implemented into AAA titles, Mantle is already here.

“On March 20 Microsoft announced DirectX® 12, the next major evolution of its own game API. This is terrific news because it really draws attention to the value of low-level programming and Mantle’s leading contribution. With DirectX 12 games still over 18 months away and no alternatives in sight for Linux gamers, Mantle’s future looks bright” said AMD on their blog.

The important part to takeaway from that is “no alternatives in sight for Linux gamers, Mantle’s future looks bright.” AMD are practically spelling it out here, they’re working on Linux and it could be what it really takes to push Linux towards being a more fully fledged gaming platform. Either way, it doesn’t sound like we’ll have to wait too long to find out more.

Thank you WCCFTech for providing us with this information.