There’s a growing buzz in the gaming community about Nvidia’s new DLSS 5 technology. Dave Oshry, CEO of indie studio New Blood Interactive, believes players and developers should boycott it. He argues that this move could push Nvidia to reconsider its approach. Recently, Oshry discussed this in an interview with PC Gamer and shared his thoughts on social media.
Oshry and his colleague, David Szymanski, are concerned that DLSS 5 isn’t just an optional feature but one that needs to be challenged. Oshry pointed out, “What does generative AI have to do with Deep Learning Super Sampling? They’re masking this AI gimmick behind the DLSS name because they think we won’t notice.” He suggested that calling it something like “Nvidia Generative Upscaling” would invite a strong backlash from the public.
Oshry emphasizes the importance of “voting with our wallets.” He believes that if consumers decrease their support for Nvidia, the company might rethink its strategy. He raised concerns that DLSS 5 alters the artistic essence of video games, creating visuals influenced more by AI than by human creativity. Szymanski echoed these worries, saying that while the technology is meant to enhance realism, it often falls short, making game scenes look artificial.
Interestingly, recent surveys show that players are increasingly critical of how technology can overshadow artistry in games. A recent poll found that 57% of gamers prefer traditional art styles over AI-generated visuals. This reflects a broader trend where gamers are becoming more selective about how technology impacts their gaming experience.
Looking back, the integration of Nvidia’s technologies like PhysX and ray tracing has sparked debates on their long-term value. While some see them as beneficial advancements, others worry about the costs in gameplay clarity and accessibility. Szymanski noted that features we often consider “optional” actually become essential in modern game development, sacrificing the overall gaming experience.
As DLSS 5 awaits its official launch, the gaming community is poised for potential backlash. With big names like Bethesda and Capcom initially supporting the tech, it’s uncertain how they’ll respond to the growing criticism. This time, they won’t have the luxury of claiming ignorance about gamers’ concerns.
