Gamers are overwhelmingly disgusted by NVIDIA's new DLSS 5 technology, particularly its AI-driven 'glow-ups' that drastically alter in-game faces. Reactions flooded social media and forums, comparing the effect to air-brushed pornography, 'yassified, looks-maxed freaks', or the uncanny valley faces seen in Evony ads. Critics argue DLSS 5 mangles intended art direction by removing shadows and creating a homogenized look.

Game developers like Mike Bithell (Thomas Was Alone) and Jeff Talbot (Gunfire Games) slammed the tech, calling it 'garbage' and stating it takes away artistic control. New Blood Interactive's Dave Oshry lamented that future generations won't recognize these 'bad' looks as wrong. NVIDIA attempted damage control, emphasizing developer artistic control over DLSS 5's intensity and masking, while Bethesda stated their art teams will refine the effect.

However, the damage is evident as 'DLSS 5 On' became an instant meme shorthand for overly cleaned-up or mangled visuals, presenting a significant public relations challenge for NVIDIA before the fall launch.