The generic AI face has invaded the gaming world, and it’s not appealing.
Nvidia unveiled its new DLSS 5 upscaling tech, touting it as a significant breakthrough in computer graphics. While it’s supposed to enhance pixel lighting and materials, it seems to transform faces into AI-like blurs. Characters from “Resident Evil Requiem” and “Hogwarts Legacy” have been altered, and even real-life figures like Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk look distorted.
This technology gives everything an AI-generated art look, similar to enhanced motion smoothing. It’s not available yet, set to launch in the fall, requiring strong hardware and remaining optional. However, it’s backed by major gaming companies eager to associate their games with this style.
Bethesda’s Todd Howard praised DLSS 5, promising enhanced artistic detail in “Starfield.” Capcom’s Jun Takeuchi noted its role in boosting visual fidelity for “Resident Evil.”
Despite these endorsements, it’s unsettling that renowned gaming leaders embrace replacing unique characters with AI versions. Bethesda assures that this is an early glimpse and adjustments are forthcoming.
The current iteration of AI faces spells a concerning future, homogenizing aesthetics with features like smooth skin, uniform traits, and synthetic hair. These traits, when combined, create a recognizable yet unnerving effect.
Nvidia’s recent showcase drew criticism for its uniformity, an aesthetic seen across digital platforms and now pushing into traditional entertainment. The gaming industry, already impacted by layoffs and cultural challenges, must be wary of AI replacing artistic contributions.
Indie developers criticized DLSS 5, expressing concerns about the potential widespread adoption. While many developers oppose generative AI, larger companies may not share this sentiment, as evidenced by Howard and Takeuchi’s support despite public mockery.
This represents a glimpse of a possible future for gaming aesthetics, prompting contemplation about turning off the feature, reminiscent of disabling motion smoothing on TVs.