NVIDIA’s new DLSS 5 update sparks backlash over “disrespectful” AI visuals

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As a long-time graphics enthusiast, I was really excited to hear about NVIDIA’s DLSS 5. They’re saying it’s the biggest leap in graphics technology since ray tracing first came out in 2018 – a pretty bold claim! But honestly, the initial reaction from other fans has been pretty negative. A lot of people are worried about how the AI-generated visuals actually look, and there’s been quite a bit of pushback about that.

Deep Learning Super Sampling, or DLSS, is a rendering technology that uses artificial intelligence. It first appeared in 2019 and has become so successful that companies like Sony have developed similar tools – like PSSR on the PlayStation 5.

NVIDIA has been constantly improving its DLSS technology, and now they’re preparing to launch version 5. They say this new version will be a huge step forward in graphics quality – the biggest improvement since they first introduced real-time ray tracing back in 2018.

What does this new technology actually do, and why are so many people upset about it? Here’s a complete explanation to bring you up to speed.

NVIDIA’s DLSS 5 AI tech explained

DLSS 5, coming this fall, is a new technology that uses artificial intelligence to dramatically improve the graphics in games.

Previously, AI was used to simply improve or create individual images, making them look smoother. Now, it’s capable of far more complex tasks.

This fall, NVIDIA is releasing DLSS 5, a new AI technology that dramatically improves the visual quality of games. DLSS 5 uses AI to create incredibly realistic lighting and textures, making games look more lifelike than ever before. Find out more here →

— NVIDIA GeForce (@NVIDIAGeForce) March 16, 2026

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang announced a major leap forward in computer graphics, calling DLSS 5 a turning point similar to the impact of GPT in artificial intelligence. He explained that it combines traditional rendering techniques with the power of generative AI.

The software makes images look more realistic by improving lighting and textures. Early previews demonstrate that it uses an AI filter to enhance visuals, especially character models, giving them a polished, glossy appearance.

Early tests focused on games like Resident Evil Requiem, Hogwarts Legacy, Starfield, and EA FC, all using DLSS 5. In Starfield, we saw a significant improvement in characters – they went from looking like typical video game models to much more realistic and detailed AI-driven versions.

Bethesda’s Todd Howard said that seeing NVIDIA’s DLSS 5 running in Starfield was incredible, really enhancing the game. He added that they’ve had a chance to play it and are excited for players to experience it too.

Todd Howard, the head of Bethesda Game Studios, is looking forward to DLSS 5, which he says will make Starfield’s lighting and textures look incredibly realistic.

— NVIDIA GeForce (@NVIDIAGeForce) March 16, 2026

The debate centers on finding the right balance between creative design and increasingly realistic graphics. Many believe that using AI in game development is causing games to lose their unique artistic style.

DLSS 5 doesn’t just improve image quality—it fundamentally changes the look of images, sometimes dramatically altering character appearances. It’s almost like a constant beauty filter is being applied.

Even though it’s still some time away from being added to games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Phantom Blade Zero, players are already talking about the upcoming change.

NVIDIA DLSS 5 reveal sparks backlash

Despite NVIDIA CEO Huang promising game developers tools to adjust the new technology – letting them control things like brightness, color, and specific areas of the screen – many players have strongly criticized the update.

The video quickly gained over 15 million views on X (formerly Twitter), and most of the reactions to it were negative.

Starfield gameplay
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YouTuber Suzi Hunter expressed strong disapproval, calling the changes a betrayal of the game’s artistic integrity. She criticized replacing carefully made 3D art with what she described as artificial and unpleasant visual effects, calling it disrespectful to the original work.

“Get this slop filter out of our games,” another user replied. “You guys are an absolute joke.”

Many people responded with memes, jokingly asking if the announcement was a late April Fool’s Day prank, referencing a well-known awkward moment from a Blizzard press conference.

One commenter expressed outrage, stating that NVIDIA seemed to disregard the effort artists put into creating models by replacing them with AI-generated faces. They felt it showed a lack of respect for artistic work.

Even the official Among Us social media account joined the fun, playfully referencing the new technology with a humorous update of their own.

— Among Us (@AmongUsGame) March 16, 2026

Generally, video game fans seem unhappy with the recent announcement. The new graphics feature won’t be available for several months. It remains to be seen whether game developers will actually use it.

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2026-03-17 04:19