Critical: Gaming Industry Relies Too Heavily on AI, Neglecting Proper Optimization

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Overuse of AI for Performance Boosts Threatens Visual Integrity in Modern Gaming

AI-assisted upscaling and frame generation technologies like NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR have become increasingly common in modern AAA games, promising enhanced performance on less powerful hardware. The goal is to allow games to achieve higher frame rates and resolutions without relying as heavily on native rendering. However, critics argue that these technologies, intended to improve efficiency, have become a crutch, allowing studios to mask performance issues instead of optimizing base code. DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) uses neural networks to reconstruct high-resolution images from lower-resolution renderings, improving performance without significantly reducing visual quality. While valuable, especially for demanding games with ray tracing, over-reliance on these solutions can obscure underlying performance problems. Many studios now use AI-based workarounds to boost frame rates, especially on PCs, instead of addressing CPU and GPU bottlenecks or optimizing the graphics engine. Developing a modern game involves months or years of optimization for each platform, such as PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. AI upscaling streamlines this process, allowing games to run initially at low resolution before artificially enhancing the image. However, this can sometimes compromise visual fidelity or introduce artifacts. Several recent releases illustrate the risks of over-dependence on AI:

Artificial Intelligence’s Over-Emphasis Endangers Game Performance on High-End Systems

Borderlands 4, upon its 2025 release, faced heavy criticism for performance and optimization, even on high-end GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 5090. Players reported frame drops and stuttering, only slightly improved after patches, demonstrating an over-reliance on AI instead of solid engine optimizations. This highlights how AI dependence can lead to poor performance, even on powerful systems, when core optimization is lacking. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered saw performance worsen after an update removed DLSS and FSR options, requiring temporary solutions. This highlights how game performance can become excessively reliant on AI, such that errors in supplementary functionalities drastically impact playability. The incident demonstrates the risk of relying too heavily on AI for baseline performance. Monster Hunter Wilds quickly became an example of severe performance issues, especially on PC. Even with top-tier hardware, the game exhibited significant FPS drops and inconsistent frame rates, making fluid experiences challenging. Acceptable performance depends heavily on DLSS, FSR, and frame generation, turning these AI technologies from optional add-ons into mandatory requirements. The title serves as a clear example of how AI upscaling has become essential for playability in some modern games.

NVIDIA has consistently advanced AI support with DLSS 4 and DLSS 4.5, along with Multi Frame Generation. However, consumers with older GPUs might experience decreased performance when activating certain DLSS versions, despite official support. AMD is working to keep pace with FSR 4 and the latest Redstone version, but reports indicate inconsistencies in frame rates and a less robust implementation compared to NVIDIA’s solutions. AMD prioritizes AI integration within drivers and APIs, favoring FSR and AI-assisted upscaling. AI dependency extends to consoles, with the PS5 increasingly incorporating AI-based technologies for performance and visual quality. PlayStation Super Resolution Rendering (PSSR) functions similarly to DLSS and FSR: games are rendered at a lower resolution before AI reconstructs the image, creating additional frames and improving fluidity. While PSSR enables impressive visuals without maximizing hardware demands, it raises similar issues to those on PCs: Studios seem to rely on PSSR to compensate for optimization flaws. The technology has displayed image quality problems, especially in games like the Silent Hill 2 Remake, with visible artifacts and inconsistent textures. AI masks technical issues, creating a sense of fluid performance that doesn’t accurately reflect base engine work.

AI and Gaming Optimization: Balancing AI Integration with Native Performance

Gaming communities and developers are increasingly concerned that AI is used as a crutch to mask poor optimization. Many games require DLSS or FSR to achieve playability, contradicting the original intent of these technologies as optional enhancements. Square Enix plans to have AI handle 70% of their game quality assurance by the end of 2027, potentially leading to layoffs and a rise in AI-generated games. However, early attempts at using AI in game development have not been entirely successful, often requiring additional work from designers. Expedition 33 recently lost two major awards after using generative AI to create initial assets that were later replaced with human-designed assets, raising concerns about an oversaturated market and declining quality. Similar to PC trends, PlayStation is shifting some performance responsibility from traditional engineering to AI solutions. The risk remains: releasing games with incomplete optimizations that depend on AI for playability, potentially normalizing a standard where native performance becomes secondary.

AI technologies like DLSS and FSR offer significant potential for enhancing gaming. However, relying on them as a substitute for traditional optimization can obscure technical issues and shift performance costs, ultimately constraining players’ experiences. The industry faces the challenge of harnessing AI’s potential without allowing it to excuse subpar game development.

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Before we wrap up today’s roundup of cinematic and gaming news, let me share a few exciting developments that you won’t want to miss! First off, Ahmed Hassan has just published an exclusive on Players for Life about Henry Cavill’s return as Clark Kent in an unseen image from his early days Henry Cavill Returns as Clark Kent in Unseen Image. If you’ve ever wondered what young Clark was up to before he became the Man of Steel, this is a must-read! Speaking of iconic franchises, Marcus Thompson’s recent article on Black Panther 3 has got everyone talking. Published on January 12, “Black Panther 3 to Focus on a Well-known Figure” Black Panther 3 to Focus on a Well-known Figure delves into Shuri’s new role as both warrior and leader following T’Challa’s passing. Lastly, PlayStation fans, get ready to mark your calendars! Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed is set for a PS5 release on February 17, with Bruno Pferd’s post-launch update promising a refined and balanced experience Avowed: PS5 Release Date Set, Major Update Planned. Pre-orders are open now, so don’t miss out!