What you need to know
- The NVIDIA DLSS SDK is adding support for games running natively on Linux with x86.
- Developers no longer have to apply to access the DLSS SDK and can instead download it directly from NVIDIA.
- NVIDIA also recently announced DLSS support for ARM devices.
NVIDIA announced several ways that it's making Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) easier for game developers to utilize. The NVIDIA DLSS SDK is adding support for games running natively on Linux with x86. The company also made it much easier for developers to use the DLSS SDK.
Developers no longer have to apply to gain access to the DLSS SDK. Instead, they can download it directly from NVIDIA's developer website. They can then get the Unreal Engine 5 and 4.26 plugins from NVIDIA's marketplace or use the Unity 2021.2 beta.
The update also brings a new sharpening slider that lets people make images softer or sharper to meet their preferences. There's also a DLSS Auto Mode that optimizes image quality for a specific resolution. An auto-exposure option lets developers calculate exposure values automatically, which can improve the image quality for low-contrast scenes.
DLSS uses machine learning and dedicated hardware on the best GPUs from NVIDIA to improve gaming performance. Our Rich Edmonds has a detailed explanation of how DLSS works. By making it easier to access the DLSS SDK, NVIDIA is trying to get more game developers to utilize it.
Over 60 games support NVIDIA DLSS at the moment, including Call of Duty, Minecraft, Rainbow Six, and Red Dead Redemption.
NVIDIA also showcased ray tracing and DLSS support for ARM processors this week.
AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) technology competes with NVIDIA DLSS. AMD shared access to the FSR source code for free earlier this month. NVIDIA appears to have followed AMD's example by opening up access to the NVIDIA DLSS SDK.
