KUALA LUMPUR: Nvidia has announced its new DLSS 5 technology for its upcoming 5700 line of graphics cards. The feature uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate photorealistic visuals.
So far, it looks like an AI filter layered over select games showcased during its announcement, particularly Resident Evil Requiem. If you are familiar with the current wave of generative AI and social media filters, “slop” and “absolute joke” are phrases that come to mind.
The technology is an insult to video game makers who have spent countless hours refining art direction and final visuals. Resident Evil Requiem already looks sublime in its base form and aesthetic. Applying an AI filter to make it appear “photorealistic” is akin to smearing Vaseline on a Rembrandt painting to “spice things up”.
We are not alone in this sentiment. Many developers and art directors have expressed outrage and disappointment, though in the form of jokes using the “before and after DLSS 5” template.
There are defenders, including Bethesda’s Todd Howard and former Epic Games engineer Kazuya Okada. Others are taking a more measured view, noting that such technology is optional and ultimately overseen by game companies’ art directors.
However, it is difficult to ignore that those aligned with Nvidia’s promotional efforts are unlikely to remain neutral. The technology itself also sits on a slippery slope, closely tied to ongoing concerns about art plagiarism.
Short beats
SOHO Live will host an Undertale: The Determination Symphony concert in Southeast Asia as part of its regional tour, beginning in Singapore on Sept 22. Bangkok will follow, with dates yet to be confirmed.
Ex-Lemon Sky Animation chief executive officer Wong Cheng Fei and former chief operating officer Foong Ka King have claimed trial at the Sessions Court for allegedly misappropriating RM3.26 million between 2021 and 2024.
Nvidia chief executive officer Jensen Huang has dismissed criticism of DLSS 5, saying detractors are “completely wrong”.
Starfield will be released on PlayStation 5 this April, featuring new content and PS5 Pro support.
Tekken 8 has received its Season 3.0 update. Many professional players have criticised the balance changes for favouring offence over defence, with some considering retirement. Bandai Namco has opened a feedback form for players.
Square Enix mobile title Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy, a three-versus-three boss battle arena game set in modern Tokyo, will be released worldwide on March 24.
IO Interactive has ended its publishing collaboration with MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy, likely due to the reception of MindsEye.
A new Final Fantasy IX animated series is in production by Eurovisual. Titled Final Fantasy: Black Mages Legacy, the series will consist of 10 episodes of 22 minutes each.
Games out this week
Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! is a first-person shooter by Auroch Digital based on the 1990s sci-fi film. Players take on the role of an elite soldier travelling between planets to fight the Bug race, with additional missions allowing players to control the enemy.
Crimson Desert is an open-world action role-playing game by Pearl Abyss. Players follow Kliff as he attempts to rebuild the Greymane faction and save the land from a looming threat.
The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin is a free-to-play action role-playing game by Netmarble. Based on the anime series, players assume the role of Prince Tristan of Liones and explore an open-world Britannia to restore order disrupted by a collision of time and space.
The PC version of Death Stranding 2 is now available with new features. The PS5 version received strong reviews upon release last June, praised for its gameplay and narrative featuring actors Norman Reedus and Lea Seydoux.
Recommended viewing
Game historian Strafefox has released a new video exploring the impact of smaller Sega Mega Drive developers, including Game Arts and Treasure, and their influence on the console’s legacy.
