Nvidia DLSS 5: Photorealistic AI Divides Gamers

Nvidia has recently unveiled DLSS 5, the latest iteration of its Deep Learning Super Sampling technology. This advancement leverages artificial intelligence to enhance the visuals of video games, promising a graphical experience close to photorealism. Presented as a major evolution since the introduction of ray tracing, DLSS 5 allows each pixel to benefit from dynamic and realistic lighting. AI is involved not only in managing light but also in the texture and transparency of surfaces, while preserving the original vision of developers, according to Nvidia. The result is a finer and more realistic image, comparable to cinematic scenes. Moreover, this technology does not significantly impact the performance of graphics cards, as it relies on software calculations.

To take advantage of DLSS 5, an RTX 5000 graphics card is required. The technology will be available this fall on a selection of games such as Resident Evil Requiem, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Oblivion Remastered, and Starfield.

A technological advancement that raises concerns

Since 2019, Nvidia has been using AI to optimize game performance without overloading hardware resources, thanks to tools like upscaling, ray reconstruction, and frame generation. DLSS 5 marks a crucial step not only for Nvidia but for the entire gaming industry.

However, this new version does not convince all players. On social media, some express concerns about the use of AI to generate details not intended by developers, particularly regarding faces. This approach could, according to them, give characters a colder and more artificial appearance. Critiques that have inspired some jokes online.

The specialized site Digital Foundry has analyzed the technology and, while acknowledging the impressive visual impact of DLSS 5 on environments, remains skeptical about the rendering of human models.

In the demonstrations provided by Nvidia, the effect of DLSS 5 is undeniable. For example, in Resident Evil Requiem, the main character, Grace, appears almost unrecognizable. However, it is important to note that these demonstrations are merely glimpses of a technology still in development. DLSS 5 is not just a filter, but a tool that developers can choose to integrate or not into their future creations. Over time, its use could become more subtle and nuanced in upcoming games.