Nvidia DLSS 5: Criticism, Memes & Developer Concerns
Nvidia unveiled its next iteration of Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology, dubbed DLSS 5, at the GPU Technology Conference (GTC) this week, sparking immediate and widespread criticism centered on its apparent reliance on artificial intelligence to alter character appearances in video games. The technology, intended to boost visual fidelity, has been described by some as an “AI filter” akin to those found on social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram.
The core of the controversy lies in DLSS 5’s ability to “upgrade” the appearance of in-game characters, a feature demonstrated by Nvidia using the character Grace from Resident Evil Requiem, who was depicted with fuller lips and more pronounced cheekbones. This has led to accusations that the technology imposes a specific beauty standard, generated from internet-sourced data, onto game characters. Critics have coined the term “yassification” to describe the process, referencing the practice of heavily editing images to enhance perceived attractiveness.
Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang stated that DLSS 5 represents the company’s “most significant breakthrough in computer graphics since the debut of real-time ray tracing in 2018,” and likened it to a “GPT moment for graphics.” However, details emerging from Nvidia suggest the current preview version of DLSS 5 operates by applying an AI filter to a static, 2D image of a game frame, combined with motion vectors. According to Nvidia’s Jacob Freeman, the system takes “a 2D frame plus motion vectors as input.”
Despite the criticism, Nvidia maintains that game developers retain full control over the effects of DLSS 5, including the intensity, color choices, and the ability to selectively disable the technology in specific areas of a game. The company asserts that developers can ensure the technology maintains the original aesthetic of their titles.
Several major game developers have already announced their intention to support DLSS 5, including Ubisoft with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Warner Bros. With Hogwarts Legacy, Bethesda with Starfield and Oblivion Remastered, and Capcom with Resident Evil Requiem. DLSS 5 is scheduled for release later this year. The technology builds upon previous iterations of DLSS, which debuted in 2018 and has since been integrated into over 750 games, initially focusing on resolution upscaling and later expanding to frame generation. DLSS 4.5, launched earlier this year, utilizes AI to generate 23 out of every 24 pixels displayed on the screen.
The underlying mechanics of DLSS 5, as currently understood, involve a significant computational cost. Demonstrations at GTC were conducted using a pair of RTX 5090 graphics cards – one for standard rendering and another dedicated to the DLSS 5 compute path.