Graphics Technology
Ongoing coverage on Graphics Technology.
Latest coverage
With DLSS 5, Nvidia look to rewrite the truth before our eyes
Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology, which generates 100% of the on-screen image using AI, is analyzed for its potential impact on video games. While presented as a performance enhancer, concerns are raised about its aesthetic control, hardware demands, and Nvidia's increasing influence over game rendering, potentially shifting it from an optional feature to a default standard.
Every PS5 Pro Enhanced Game (So Far)
Sony's PlayStation 5 Pro, launched in November 2024, offers enhanced graphics and frame rates for compatible games, identified by a 'PS5 Pro Enhanced' label. The console features an upgraded GPU and AI-driven upscaling through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) to achieve higher fidelity visuals and smoother performance, often doubling the power of the base PS5.
AC Shadows Update Brings Mouse Support to Nintendo Switch 2
Ubisoft is releasing Title Update 1.1.10 for Assassin's Creed Shadows, which will introduce full mouse and keyboard support to the Nintendo Switch 2. This update also includes PSSR 2 support, aiming to enhance visual fidelity on the platform. The patch is scheduled to go live tomorrow at 2pm UTC.
Crimson Desert has received FSR SDK 2.2 support, offering better upscaling and frame generation for AMD cards
Crimson Desert has received an update implementing FSR SDK 2.2, enhancing upscaling and frame generation performance, particularly for AMD graphics cards. The patch also addresses graphical issues with ray-traced reflections and character rendering, alongside general stability and performance optimizations for PC and consoles.
Minecraft creator Notch says 'DLSS fundamentally makes no sense', but the X comments say 'um,…
Minecraft creator Markus Persson, also known as Notch, expressed skepticism about Nvidia's DLSS and Frame Generation technologies, stating they 'fundamentally make no sense.' He argued that using the same hardware to run a neural network for frame generation is illogical when the graphics card is already struggling. The article also touches on the evolution of graphics technology, including AI's role in rendering.
OptiScaler tool gets a huge new release with more upscaling and frame generation goodies
The open-source tool OptiScaler has received a major update, version 0.9, introducing significant improvements to upscaling and frame generation technologies. This release enhances compatibility with AMD FSR 4.1 and XeSS 3.0, adds Vulkan and DirectX 11 support for various upscaling methods, and includes new features like a process filter and DLL blacklisting for broader game compatibility, including on Linux and Steam Deck.
Now that you can try out Nvidia's new Dynamic Multi Frame Generation for yourself, you might want to know that there's a bit of an issue when it comes to frame rate limiters
Nvidia's new Dynamic Multi Frame Generation technology for RTX 50-series GPUs exhibits an issue when frame rate limiters are applied. When a frame rate cap is set, Dynamic MFG locks to a fixed mode, leading to increased latency (PCL) compared to when no limiter is used. This behavior has been observed in games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and it is unclear if it is a bug or a system limitation.
Hands-on with Nvidia's new Dynamic Multi Frame Generation: 5x and 6x modes push frame rates even higher than before, though you can have too much of a good thing
Nvidia has introduced an updated version of its Dynamic Multi Frame Generation (MFG) technology, featuring new 5x and 6x modes designed to push frame rates higher. While the technology dynamically adjusts frame generation modes based on monitor refresh rates and game performance, the article notes that excessive frame generation can lead to increased input latency and potential visual artifacts. Testing across games like Cyberpunk 2077, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Hogwarts Legacy, and Oblivion Remastered shows that while MFG can significantly boost performance, its effectiveness is dependent on the game's inherent performance and the user's hardware, with competitive gamers likely to avoid it due to latency concerns.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Receives Upgraded PSSR Support on April 7th
Assassin's Creed Shadows will receive an Upgraded PSSR graphics technology update on April 7th for PlayStation 5 Pro players. This update aims to improve image quality, stability, and visual artifacts across performance, balanced, and quality modes. Technical artists Robert Foriel and Nicholas Lopez highlighted the seamless implementation and significant visual boost provided by the technology.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Director Defends DLSS 5 Amid Backlash
Daniel Vávra, director of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, has defended Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology against criticism, calling the current backlash an "uncanny beginning" and asserting that the technology has significant future potential. He believes developers will learn to train DLSS 5 for specific art styles and character faces, potentially reducing the need for ray tracing. Vávra's comments come as the gaming community expresses skepticism over early demonstrations of DLSS 5's visual enhancements.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Director Defends DLSS 5 Amid Backlash
Daniel Vávra, director of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, has defended Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology against criticism, calling the current backlash an "uncanny beginning" and asserting that the technology has significant future potential. He believes developers will learn to train DLSS 5 for specific art styles and character faces, potentially reducing the need for ray tracing. Vávra's comments come as the gaming community expresses skepticism over early demonstrations of DLSS 5's visual enhancements.
'Cripple their sales, tank their stock price. Stop collaborating with them as developers': New Blood CEO on…
New Blood Interactive co-founder Dave Oshry and developer David Szymanski have voiced strong criticism against Nvidia's new DLSS 5 AI rendering technology. They argue that the AI-driven approach disrespects artistic intent, potentially devalues game art, and that features like DLSS are becoming effectively mandatory in modern games, despite their performance and visual drawbacks.
Nvidia DLSS 5 – Why Is It So Controversial?
NVIDIA's new DLSS 5 technology is facing significant controversy within the gaming community, with concerns that it may override developers' artistic visions and homogenize game aesthetics. While NVIDIA claims the technology is controllable by developers and optional for players, early demonstrations on well-known games like Resident Evil 4, Starfield, and Hogwarts Legacy have drawn criticism for altering character appearances and game tone. The article discusses both the criticisms and NVIDIA's defense, suggesting that clearer communication and more nuanced demonstrations are needed to build trust.
Nvidia CEO Hates AI Slop Too, Promises DLSS 5 Isn't Making More Despite The Evidence
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated that while he dislikes AI-generated content, the company's new DLSS 5 technology is a tool for developers and not intended to create 'AI slop.' He clarified that DLSS 5 is guided by 3D data and artist intent, enhancing existing game assets rather than fundamentally changing them. However, discussions with an Nvidia employee suggest the technology analyzes single frames, leading to speculation about its sophisticated capabilities and potential for altering art styles.
AI frame generation is coming to the PS5 Pro
Sony is developing AI-powered frame generation technology for PlayStation platforms, which is expected to enhance visual smoothness and performance, particularly on the PlayStation 5 Pro. Lead system architect Mark Cerny confirmed the development, noting it will work alongside upscaling technologies like PSSR. While not confirmed for immediate release, the feature could potentially arrive on the PS5 Pro or future consoles like the PlayStation 6.
Evening Tech Bits
AMD has released FSR 4.1, an update for its RX 9000-series GPUs, which enhances Ray Regeneration, upscaled detail, and frames per second. Microsoft is also mentioned as giving Windows 11 a significant rework.
I really thought Nvidia's DLSS 5 was going to be smarter than this
Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology appears to rely on a static 2D image and motion vectors, rather than a deeper understanding of 3D geometry or lighting. While impressive in its real-time application and consistency, its enhancements are based on inference from a single frame, leading to concerns about artistic control and potential homogenization of character appearances. Developers have limited options to tune the effect, primarily through sliders and masking, raising questions about the fusion of structured game data and generative AI.
Engadget Podcast: Why does everyone hate NVIDIA's DLSS 5 AI upscaling?
NVIDIA's announcement of DLSS 5 has sparked controversy among gamers due to its shift in focus from upscaling to AI-driven lighting and materials. Analyst Anshel Sag joins the podcast to discuss his experience with the technology and the immediate negative reactions online. The discussion also touches upon future developments for Xbox and other unrelated tech news.
Engadget Podcast: Why does everyone hate NVIDIA's DLSS 5 AI upscaling?
NVIDIA's announcement of DLSS 5 has sparked controversy due to its shift in focus from upscaling to AI-driven lighting and materials, differing from previous versions. Analyst Anshel Sag joins the podcast to discuss his experience with DLSS 5 demos and the negative reception from gamers. The discussion also touches upon Xbox's Project Helix.
IOI Partners disowns MindsEye, Krafton collabs with arms dealer, and more cuts at Ubisoft - Patch Notes #44
Several major gaming companies faced significant news this past fortnight. IOI Partners disowned the game MindsEye, Krafton announced a $1 billion partnership with a defense firm while simultaneously losing a lawsuit, and Ubisoft underwent restructuring leading to layoffs and the closure of Red Storm Entertainment's game development. Additionally, unionized game workers are petitioning for immigrant protections, Pokemon Pokopia achieved strong sales, and Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology faced backlash from developers.
