Today marks the early access launch of Starfield, the highly-anticipated sci-fi RPG from Bethesda. Notably missing from the game is support for Nvidia’s Deep-Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology. This absence has led to questions and speculation, especially considering Bethesda’s partnership with AMD. This article will examine what the lack of DLSS support means for gamers, Bethesda’s silence on the issue, and how the gaming community is responding.

The Significance of DLSS

Deep-Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) is Nvidia’s proprietary upscaling technology, designed to improve game performance without compromising on visual quality. Several major game releases this year, like Diablo 4, Redfall, and Forza Horizon 5, have launched with DLSS 3 support. Others, like Baldur’s Gate 3, have incorporated DLSS 2. This makes the absence of DLSS in Starfield all the more noticeable.

Bethesda’s Position

The Verge has reported that Bethesda has not responded to multiple inquiries about DLSS support in Starfield. Interestingly, AMD gaming chief Frank Azor confirmed that their contract with Bethesda does not restrict the developer from integrating DLSS. “If they want to do DLSS, they have AMD’s full support,” Azor stated.

Nvidia’s Standpoint

When approached about the issue, Nvidia refrained from providing an answer. Instead, the company directed reporters to ask Bethesda for information, effectively placing the onus on the game’s developer for clarifying DLSS support or the lack thereof.

Community Response

Even though Starfield just launched in early access, the game’s community is already attempting to fill the DLSS void. A mod surfaced less than two hours after the game’s early access release, aiming to replace AMD’s FSR2 with Nvidia’s DLSS or Intel’s XeSS upscaling technologies.

Reviews and Reception

Starfield reviews have started to roll in. GameSpot, for instance, awarded the game a score of 7/10. Critic Michael Higham praised the game’s scale and combat but criticized its shallow RPG elements and uninspiring cosmic vision. It remains to be seen how the lack of DLSS may impact broader gamer perceptions and reviews in the days to come.

Conclusion

The absence of DLSS support in Starfield’s early access launch has raised questions and fostered community solutions. With Bethesda remaining silent and both AMD and Nvidia deflecting responsibility, it’s unclear if or when DLSS support might be added. Given the technology’s increasing prevalence in new game releases, its absence is significant. Whether this will affect Starfield’s long-term success or player satisfaction remains to be seen. Gamers and critics alike are sure to keep an eye on developments regarding DLSS support in future updates.

Also Read: