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GNM

PlayStation 4 low-level graphics API backend.

GNM is Sony's low-level graphics library for the PlayStation 4. It exposes direct control over command buffer generation and GPU state, with very little driver overhead between engine code and the hardware. It is typically paired with GNMX, a thinner convenience layer built on top of it. On PlayStation 5, GNM is superseded by AGC.

NDA-protected platform

The PlayStation 4 SDK, including the GNM headers, samples, and reference documentation, is covered by Sony's non-disclosure agreement with registered PlayStation Partners. Nothing from that material can be reproduced, described, or linked to on this page, and the same restriction applies to every page under this section of the documentation.

Current status​

The gnm backend in gp-engine is internal work in progress. The module currently holds build scaffolding and an empty CMake target; no PlayStation NDA material has been added, because the team does not yet have PlayStation NDA clearance.

Once that clearance is in place, this page will be filled in for the contributors on the project who are also registered PlayStation Partners. It will not be published outside that group, and public builds of gp-engine will not ship with this backend enabled.

Requesting access​

Access to the PS4 SDK, dev kits, and GNM documentation is managed entirely by Sony. If you need to review or contribute to this backend, you or your studio have to register directly through Sony's own program.

We have no ability to grant, share, or forward PlayStation NDA material on request. Approval is at Sony's sole discretion.

Curriculum​

Graphical Playground plans to cover console-specific rendering paths, GNM included, as part of its learning material. That curriculum sits behind the same NDA and will only be released to contributors and learners who hold active PlayStation Partners clearance, once it exists.