"We've Played It" Bethesda Comments on Nvidia's Controversial DLSS 5

There have been a lot of questions regarding what Bethesda has up its sleeve next, and it looks like implementing Nvidia’s controversial new DLSS 5 graphics tech is part of those plans. Bethesda has kept tight-lipped about the status of its future projects, but the company was recently part of Nvidia’s demo for its new AI-powered graphics enhancer.

After the divisive launch of Starfield in 2023, a lot of longtime fans of the studio have been both anxious and excited about what’s next from the developer. Both The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 are expected to be next in line on the schedule, but there is still no clear release target in sight. There is also the long-awaited release of Starfield on PS5 that has yet to happen. That’s a lot of projects up in the air, but Bethesda just recently made one thing clear. PC players will get to use the Nvidia DLSS 5 to upgrade graphics on the developer’s games.

Bethesda’s Todd Howard is Excited About Nvidia’s AI-Powered DLSS 5

During the DLSS 5 reveal, Todd Howard stated, “When Nvidia showed us DLSS 5, and we got it running in Starfield, it was amazing how it brought it to life. We’ve played it. We can’t wait for all of you to do so as well.” Howard further stated, “Nvidia and Bethesda have a long history of pushing gaming graphics and innovation forward, and DLSS 5 represents the next major step in that journey.”

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Nvidia’s DLSS 5 reveal has quickly proven to be controversial. The tech uses AI to enhance graphics, specifically when it comes to enhancing the appearance of characters. A lot of gamers have actually seen the enhancements as downgrades, though. Right after Nvidia showcased the DLSS 5’s graphic upgrades, many on the internet were quick to dub it “AI slop,” claiming that it undermines the work of artists and developers, since it makes significant changes to character’s faces. Bethesda has already claimed in a tweet that the company’s use of the tech will be “under our artists’ control.” The company also mentioned that the use of DLSS 5 will be “totally optional for players.” So, gamers who aren’t interested in the tech at least have the reassurance that they don’t have to use it.

The growing use of AI in gaming is becoming a divisive topic, but Nvidia’s announcement is another example of how gaming continues to embrace the tech. Bethesda is just one of many major gaming companies ready to implement DLSS 5. Nvidia has some of the biggest publishers and developers on board to promote this approach to graphics upgrading.

When Nvidia showed us DLSS 5, and we got it running in Starfield, it was amazing how it brought it to life. We’ve played it. We can’t wait for all of you to do so as well.

Other Publishers and Developers That Will Support DLSS 5

Warner Bros. Games
Capcom
Ubisoft
Tencent
S-GAME
NCSOFT
NetEase
Hotta Studio

As the year continues, it will be interesting to see how more gamers react to DLSS 5. Nvidia hasn’t revealed an official release date yet, but it has confirmed that it is aiming for a fall 2026 release date. Once the tech has actually launched, gamers will get to decide for themselves whether the DLSS 5 is an upgrade or not. AI in game development and graphics upgrades will continue to be a controversial topic. Some see AI as a bubble that is bound to burst, but others view it as the future. Only time will tell how AI affects the industry on a larger scale. Regardless of one’s thoughts on the subject, Nvidia’s DLSS 5 is another major example of how companies are betting hard on AI-powered tech.