'Disgustingly Disrespectful': Video Game Fans Rip Into New NVIDIA DLSS 5 Announcement
The use of AI in video games has reached a certain boiling point in 2026. Even universally acclaimed titles like last year's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 saw a moment of controversy regarding what was interpreted as generative AI use by fans. Video game fans appear to be more aware than ever and are actively watching for AI use, and NVIDIA is now in hot water with some fans.
Today, March 16, NVIDIA GeForce announced NVIDIA DLSS 5, the next iteration of its DLSS AI upscaling software. NVIDIA paired the announcement post with a video designed to highlight the features of DLSS 5, and the reception has been anything but positive, with many fans angry at the idea of an AI upscaling "ruining" intended art direction in video games.
"Announcing NVIDIA DLSS 5, an AI-powered breakthrough in visual fidelity for games, coming this fall. DLSS 5 infuses pixels with photorealistic lighting and materials, bridging the gap between rendering and reality," reads the post. NVIDIA also directed fans to the official announcement post on NVIDIA's website for more details.
However, it didn't take long for fans to take to social media and call out NVIDIA for the accompanying video that was posted with the announcement. The very first game that is shown off with the new upscaling software is Resident Evil Requiem, a game that has been widely praised for its art direction and graphic fidelity.
Fans were quick to notice that the proposed DLSS 5 upscaling heavily alters protagonist Grace Ashcroft's face, to the point where she looks plastic-y, similar to an Instagram filter and other generative art AI software.
"Like what's the point? Artists spend hours perfecting a model for you to come and replace it with AI Faces? I seriously hate this so much," said X user thethiny.
"Absolutely disgustingly disrespectful to the art direction the developers put years of work into getting right to fit the vibe of their works. Your company is destroying the industry you built yourself on," said Kitty-Bit Games & Cosplay.
The replies in the X thread are full of memes to poke fun at NVIDIA's announcement and the quality of the upscaling.
Some fans are seemingly open to the idea and are suggesting others just keep the feature off, while others are frustrated that the DLSS 5 option exists at all.
NVIDIA has not yet released an official statement regarding the initial fan reception to the DLSS 5 announcement.
NVIDIA DLSS 5 is scheduled to be released sometime this fall.