AMD wants to include Mantle code in OpenGL Next

AMD hopes that its close collaboration with the Khronos Group, responsible for standards around OpenGL, will allow Mantle components to be included in the new low-level cross-platform API OpenGL Next.

The Khronos Group announced earlier this week that it is working on a new api as a successor to OpenGL. The ‘OpenGL Next’ API should, just like AMD’s Mantle API and Microsoft’s DirectX 12, make it possible to address the GPU more directly. This relieves the CPU and can provide better performance.

Because OpenGL Next will be built from the ground up, AMD wants to use its influence and knowledge within the Khronos Group. AMD’s Richard Huddy tells Techreport that it has given the developers of the Khronos Group full access to Mantle. In addition, any part of the code can be reused for OpenGL Next free of charge, Huddy claims.

It’s still unclear how much code OpenGL Next will “borrow” from AMD; the project is still in its infancy and it is unclear how long it will take to reach the first specification.

Huddy also sheds light on DirectX 12 and the future of Mantle. According to the AMD employee, DirectX 12 was directly affected by the release of Mantle. He also says that 75 developers at AMD are working on adapting game titles for Mantle. Furthermore, Huddy states that AMD’s api will not sink when Microsoft DirectX 12 rolls out. For example, AMD could update Mantle much faster to support new GPU features, while DirectX only gets a major update every 4 to 5 years on average. Mantle also supports Windows 7, while it is still uncertain whether DirectX 12 will.

AMD wants to take an extra step with Mantle by soon also releasing a release for workstations. FirePro video cards must also be able to be controlled via Mantle. A number of unnamed software manufacturers have already pledged to support the API.