Early access files for Nvidia's forthcoming DLSS 5 technology, specifically its neural rendering capabilities, have been spotted in a fan-made mod for Remedy Entertainment's 2019 title, Control. The mod was created by a member of the RenoDX team, who managed to extract DLSS neural rendering DLL files from an early build of NBA 2K27 and implement them into Control. Currently, the mod's functionality is limited to altering character models, offering seven distinct visual styles.
The integration was achieved using an early DLSS neural rendering DLL found within the PC version of NBA 2K27, which is accessible to players who have purchased its Deluxe or Ultra editions. The modder successfully injected these files into Control, enabling adjustable parameters through a slider interface that allows for fine-tuning of the visual alterations. Early reports suggest a significant performance impact, with frame rates potentially dropping considerably on hardware like an RTX 5070 Ti when the feature is enabled. This potential performance cost, even for a pre-release feature not optimized for the game, mirrors concerns often raised about ray tracing's demands on system resources.
The mod provides a range of stylistic options, from subtle adjustments to more pronounced transformations of character appearances. While the underlying geometry of the models remains intact, the AI filter layers aesthetic changes onto them. Some comparisons showcase the DLSS 5 enabled models with more extreme modifications, described by some as akin to an AI beauty filter, raising discussions within the gaming community about the implications of such technology.
The successful implementation of these files from a different game into Control highlights the potential for widespread modding once DLSS 5 is officially released. The nature of the extracted file, labeled 'DLSSNR', suggests that Nvidia may be considering a rebranding of the technology to 'DLSS Neural Rendering,' a nomenclature that might better reflect its function and potentially mitigate initial community apprehension.
The broader implications of this fan-driven development point towards a future where players could have extensive control over AI-driven visual enhancements across a variety of games, a prospect that game developers may need to address.