Nvidia DLSS 5 Leak Shows Extreme AI Effects

A leaked, unreleased version of Nvidia's DLSS 5 AI upscaling tech is being used in unoptimized games, creating controversial and often comical visuals.

An unreleased version of Nvidia's controversial DLSS 5 technology has leaked online. Users are now applying it to games it was not necessarily optimized for, with results ranging from comedic to off-putting to desirable.

A screenshot from Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, dubbed "Claude Strife," is circulating as an example of DLSS 5 at extreme settings. The source report notes it is not 100% certain the screenshot is genuine, as attempts to trace its origin led to a deleted Reddit thread. The image does look similar to other experiments with the tech, however. Stylized characters appear to be a poor use case.

How DLSS 5 Differs

Unlike previous DLSS versions which use machine learning to upscale graphics while staying close to the source material, DLSS 5 attempts to improve artwork using AI image generation. The results are said to be similar to asking an AI image model for "photorealism."

The leaked implementation can have an aging effect on characters. It intensifies skin texture, sharpens the separation between cheek and jaw, and makes neutral expressions appear more dour.

Divided Reactions Online

Many examples of DLSS 5 in action can be found in the RenoDX Discord channel. From a certain perspective, some results look fine or good. With specific settings, it can make a Starfield character with flat, untextured skin look more human.

Plenty of people in that channel are delighted by the results. Conversely, a ResetEra thread expresses horror at the whole thing. Opinions are divided.

The PC Gamer author, Tyler, states he comes to the tech with pre-existing negative feelings about generative AI. He lands in the "not in my house" camp for now.

Even where DLSS 5 successfully adds volume and texture to a flat-looking face, it carries a distinct AI-generated look. The author compares it to photos of models with studio lighting stretched over faces and bodies. He cannot separate it from off-putting examples of what he calls "AI slop."

The source concludes by asking readers how they are receiving the tech. Tyler, the author, is a PC Gamer news editor who joined in 2011. His gaming history includes titles like Zork, Myst, and Bushido Blade.

Source: pcgamer.com