Nvidia’s New DLSS Technology Introduces AI-Enhanced Character Expressions

Today, Nvidia unveiled DLSS 5, the latest iteration of its upscaling technology, which promises to enhance in-game visuals with a touch of AI magic.

On March 16, Nvidia introduced DLSS 5, claiming it represents the most significant advancement in computer graphics since real-time ray tracing made its debut in 2018. CEO Jensen Huang referred to this new tech as the “GPT moment” for video game graphics, emphasizing its ability to merge traditional rendering techniques with generative AI to achieve a remarkable increase in visual realism while still allowing artists the creative freedom they need. However, I have my reservations about that claim.

In the announcement, Nvidia showcased several examples, including enhanced screenshots of Grace from Resident Evil Requiem, which appear to resemble the kind of fan art that emerges when players feel a character’s design is off.

So, how does DLSS 5 work, and why does it look questionable?

DLSS 5 analyzes a game’s color and motion vectors for each frame, utilizing an AI model to inject photorealistic lighting and materials that align with the original 3D content, ensuring consistency across frames. It operates in real-time at resolutions up to 4K, aiming for smooth gameplay.

Essentially, Nvidia describes a process where each game frame is overlaid with AI-generated enhancements that strive for realism but often result in images that feel jarring and disconnected from the original aesthetic. Previous DLSS versions improved performance by rendering games at a lower resolution and then upscaling them, yielding impressive results. This, however, feels like a different beast entirely, akin to running Resident Evil through a low-quality photo filter.

It wasn’t just Resident Evil that received this treatment. Nvidia also applied DLSS 5 to Starfield in an attempt to enhance its less-than-stellar character models. The outcome? Not great.

Other titles that Nvidia “enhanced” with DLSS 5 include Hogwarts Legacy and EA Sports FC, with similarly disappointing results. One character in the Hogwarts video, an older woman, particularly stands out for looking worse after the AI intervention.

Nvidia has announced that DLSS 5 will be available later this fall in a variety of titles, including AION 2, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Black State, CINDER CITY, Delta Force, Hogwarts Legacy, Justice, NARAKA: BLADEPOINT, NTE: Neverness to Everness, Phantom Blade Zero, Resident Evil™ Requiem, Sea of Remnants, Starfield, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Where Winds Meet, and more.

Bethesda’s game director Todd Howard commented on the collaboration, noting the long history of pushing graphics with Nvidia, dating back to Morrowind. He expressed excitement about how DLSS 5 brought Starfield to life, stating they can’t wait for players to experience it.

I think I’ll pass on that one, Todd. Thanks, but no thanks.

As expected, the internet’s reaction to DLSS 5 and its AI-enhanced visuals has been largely negative, with many users highlighting how drastically altered some images are compared to the original content and questioning the appeal of these changes.