NVIDIA DLSS 5
Earlier this week, Nvidia posted a video featuring their latest iteration of DLSS technology (Deep learning super sampling). DLSS 5 is an AI-powered “real-time neural rendering” process and unlike previous versions that focused on improving frame rates through upscaling or frame generation, DLSS 5 uses generative AI to “infuse” frames with photorealistic lighting and material details that the game engine never actually calculated. Let us pause for a moment and consider these words. Material detail that the game engine never actually calculated. Therein lies the rub. If you watch the aforementioned video or peruse the images posted here, it is abundantly clear what the technology does.
The technology used in DLSS 5 is interesting. It uses a model trained to understand “scene semantics”. Assets such as human skin, hair, and fabric can be augmented to add realistic effects like subsurface scattering (how light glows through skin). It enhances surface textures in real time, making materials like weathered leather or brushed aluminium appear photorealistic. DLSS 5 come with a suite of developer for studios to flag specific areas and aspects of games for AI enhancement, while also protecting areas so they maintain their original art style. DLSS 5 is expected to launch in Autumn 2026 and will probably be linked to the upcoming release of the GeForce RTX 50 Series of graphics cards.
However, setting aside the technology used, it is hardly surprising that Nvidia’s promotional video has been poorly received (the reveal video receiving an 84% dislike ratio on YouTube). There are several major concerns that arise from this technology. Many gamers and developers worry that GPUs will essentially be adding details that don’t exist, rather than accurately representing the game and its art design. Some feel this shifts gaming away from a human-crafted experience toward an AI generated one. At present such technology requires a dual-RTX 5090 graphic card setup. No doubt the next generation of GPUs designed specifically to run DLSS 5 will be exceedingly expensive, driving up the cost of gaming. There are also concerns that Nvidia’s claims that artists will maintain “full control” will prove spurious.
However, perhaps the biggest point of contention stemming from the use of DLSS 5“ is the so-called Yassification” of games. “Yassification” is an internet slang term referring to the process of heavily editing an image, typically a face, using AI-powered beauty filters to make the subject look more glamorous, polished, or generically attractive. Critics argue the AI acts as an intrusive “beauty filter” that significantly alters character faces and designs. For example, in a DLSS 5 demo for Resident Evil Requiem, the character Grace Ashcroft appeared with botoxed lips and modified hair, leading to accusations of “AI slop” that bypasses the original artist's intent. Many gamers think that DLSS 5 technology is effectively a “yassification machine”. There are concerns that such technology could be used by some gamers to modify games in bespoke ways, such as changing race or gender to effectively “de-woke” them.
Although I do see the possibility for this technology to be used in the culture wars in a politicised manner, I think the most immediate problems will be those pertaining to copyright and the overall legality of augmenting games in this manner. There is a risk that AI tools of this nature could alter trademarked IP within a game such as a brand logo or copyrighted image without direct developer involvement. This could potentially invalidate the licensing agreement that the developer's may have with third party organisations. There have also been legal questions raised over the data scraping that Nvidia has used to train its AI for DLSS 5.
It is also worth noting the belligerent and tone deaf response by Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang to gamer pushback, which he called “completely wrong”. His semantically driven argument was essentially focused on the tools that come with DLSS 5 being the means to ensure against any malfeasance. Clearly he is unaware of public opinion regarding the reliability and moral rectitude of corporate promises. I suspect that the arguments will continue from both sides over the months ahead. The real test will be whether the new generation of Nvidia GPUs that support DLSS 5 sell well. Many gamers are notorious hypocrites. However, with RAM and other hardware prices increasing at present, it may be a case that the cost will be the main problem that slows the uptake of DLSS 5.
