Starfield, the new RPG from Bethesda, has been welcomed with open arms on Xbox Series consoles and PC. However, there is a distinct void in the form of a missing Nvidia DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) feature, a highly-requested graphics option for PC users. Bethesda has assured that official DLSS support will arrive in the future, but in the meantime, modders have taken the task upon themselves. This has sparked a controversy revolving around paid mods, specifically those created by modder PureDark. This article aims to discuss in detail the unfolding drama, the issue of paid mods, and community response.

What Is DLSS and Why Is It Important?

DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, is a technology by Nvidia that improves the game’s graphical output while reducing the strain on hardware. It’s particularly important for maintaining high performance and quality visuals. The absence of DLSS in the Starfield release is a point of contention, pushing players toward fan-made mods to fill the gap.

PureDark’s Patreon-Exclusive DLSS Mod

Modder PureDark has offered a more advanced DLSS3 mod for Starfield via a $5-per-month Patreon subscription. Additionally, the mod includes Digital Rights Management (DRM) to authenticate its users. PureDark also provides a less advanced DLSS2 mod for free on NexusMods.

Digital Rights Management in a Mod

PureDark incorporated DRM to safeguard his work. However, the mod has already been cracked by members of the community. DRM in a mod has spurred additional controversy, with critics arguing that it contradicts the communal and open nature of modding.

Community Poll and Public Opinion

In a recent poll, 68% of respondents stated that mods should be universally free. This percentage reflects a prevalent community sentiment that challenges the paid mod model. PureDark defends his stance, arguing that $5 a month is reasonable for a service that gives access to multiple mods.

Mod Cracking and PureDark’s Response

PureDark’s mod was quickly cracked, bypassing the DRM feature. In response, PureDark declared plans to include ‘hidden mines’ in his future mods. These would be barriers making it difficult for pirates to use cracked versions effectively. According to PureDark, cracked mods will be unreliable, sometimes even causing the game to crash.

Free Alternatives and the Entry of LukeFZ

Another modder, LukeFZ, has introduced a free DLSS mod on NexusMods, titled Starfield Frame Generation – Replacing FSR2 with DLSS-G. While similar in function to PureDark’s mod, LukeFZ clarified that the creation of his free mod wasn’t a direct response to the paid one but rather a result of his personal interest in graphics programming.

What’s Next?

Official DLSS support for Starfield will be implemented sometime in the future. Meanwhile, the debate over the legitimacy and ethics of paid mods remains unresolved.

Conclusion

The introduction of paid DLSS mods for Starfield has reignited the debate around paid mods, DRM, and community ethics. Whether you stand for or against paid mods, it’s undeniable that the situation has stirred the pot in the Starfield community. As official DLSS support is on the horizon, the community remains split on the acceptable practices surrounding modding.

By dissecting these issues in detail, we hope to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of modding in Starfield and its wider implications for the gaming community.

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