# NVIDIA's DLSS 5 leak produces uncanny results AI-powered upscaling technology makes game characters look disturbingly unnatural. - **Source:** [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-28 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8b848c98-0d0f-4807-933d-68f088610a3b ## How does the leaked DLSS 5 version work? NVIDIA's DLSS 5 technology uses a neural rendering model, differing from traditional upscaling. Instead of just sharpening game images, it infuses pixels with photorealistic lighting and materials. Leaked from an early access version of NBA 2K27, this technology has been applied by players to various games. However, the results are unexpected: characters gain a realistic yet disturbingly artificial appearance that divides opinion among gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. ## What happened to Control's Jesse Faden? The 28-year-old Jesse Faden character from Remedy's Control game appears middle-aged when DLSS 5 is applied. While the AI achieves this transformation based on original facial features, the result creates both realistic and artificial effects simultaneously. The mismatch between facial expressions and body movements amplifies the uncanny valley effect. This demonstrates the technology's current early-stage limitations and the challenges in achieving seamless human-like rendering in video games. ## How did Skyrim characters transform? The 15-year-old Skyrim's low-poly characters began resembling 3D scans of real people with DLSS 5. However, when combined with the outdated game engine and animation systems, it created a jarring visual inconsistency. While faces appear more realistic, body movements and blank stares make the artificiality even more pronounced. This proves that enhancing only facial features isn't sufficient for convincing realism in older game titles with fundamental technical limitations. ## Performance drops raise concerns The leaked DLSS 5 version significantly impacts game performance. On an RTX 5070 Ti GPU, Control's frame rate drops from 71 to 35 FPS at 4K resolution. This 50% performance decrease reveals serious optimization issues with the current implementation. As NVIDIA shifts focus toward AI-driven solutions, questions arise about whether this new approach can meet gamers' expectations for both visual quality and smooth performance in demanding titles. ## Why does the 'uncanny valley' effect occur? DLSS 5's results align with the psychological 'uncanny valley' phenomenon, where nearly human-like artificial entities create discomfort. NVIDIA's neural rendering model pushes characters toward human resemblance but lands them in this unsettling middle ground. The effect becomes particularly strong in older games where new technology clashes with outdated assets. This highlights the complex challenge of achieving believable human representation through AI enhancement alone. ## What do game developers say? This unofficial leak represents modifications made without developer approval. Industry experts emphasize the final version will likely differ significantly. NVIDIA is reportedly working closely with developers to ensure DLSS 5 appears more natural when properly integrated into games. However, the leak has prematurely exposed potential pitfalls of the technology, allowing for early community feedback before the official release planned for fall 2024. ## How is NVIDIA's AI strategy evolving? Having recently positioned itself primarily as an AI company, NVIDIA aims to maintain its gaming dominance with DLSS 5. Yet this leak raises concerns about potential disconnection from its core gamer audience. Performance issues and bizarre visual outcomes fuel worries that AI-focused approaches might compromise gaming experiences. The company faces mounting pressure to balance innovation with practical usability as it navigates between technological ambition and user expectations. ## What's next for DLSS 5? DLSS 5 is scheduled for official launch in fall 2024. While current flaws might be addressed in the final version, NVIDIA must find the right balance in applying AI to game visuals. If successful, the technology could revolutionize gaming graphics, but early-stage imperfections have already sparked concern. Developer adoption and gamer reception will ultimately determine DLSS 5's fate in an industry increasingly shaped by AI advancements and player expectations for both innovation and polish. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.engadget.com/2246658/early-leak-of-nvidia-dlss5-has-an-uncanny-valley-problem/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._