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Hideo Kojima Criticizes DLSS 5: AI Lacks Creator Intent
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Photo: Lisha Dunlap, Pexels All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 3 events, drawn from 4 sources.
“Maybe AI could create art, but while I live, I don’t think I’ll see it. I’m not interested in it.”
via kotaku.com
Background
Hideo Kojima is the director of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and the creator of the Metal Gear Solid series. His views on artificial intelligence have evolved significantly; in 2025, he compared AI's importance to the leap from 2D to 3D in gaming and later referred to it as a "friend" that could boost efficiency.
However, in June 2026, he stated he was not interested in AI creating art, claiming he would not see it happen while he lived.
NVIDIA's DLSS 5 technology uses generative AI to render light and textures, aiming to make CG characters look more realistic. The technology faced divisive reactions after a leaked version was shown at the end of August 2026, with some players arguing it made games look odd.
DLSS 5 officially debuted with the release of NBA 2K27 in September 2026, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang responded to criticism by stating he "doesn't love AI slop" and that DLSS 5 differs from typical AI-generated images.
The timeline
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Kojima discusses DLSS 5 on KOJI10 podcast
During the 36th episode of his KOJI10 podcast, Hideo Kojima addressed the controversy surrounding NVIDIA's DLSS 5. He noted that fans reportedly sent him comparisons of the technology running on Death Stranding 2, with many arguing the game did not need it and that it appeared to look odd when enabled. Kojima clarified that his team's focus is on making actors look their best through manual lighting refinement, rather than relying on the new AI upscaling.[1]
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Kojima expresses concern over AI altering creative intent
Kojima stated that he reportedly has "mixed feelings" about AI technology because it cannot understand the specific intentions behind artistic choices. He cited the example of 4K film remasters, noting that while AI could easily restore old films, he would not want someone changing the specific lighting setups he chose for his original work. He added that he would not like AI altering his work unless he was the one controlling it.[1]
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Kojima concedes AI technology will become standard
Despite his reservations about AI altering creative intent, Kojima acknowledged that these technologies reportedly will likely become standard in the industry. He speculated that in a hundred years, resolution may be even higher and AI might automatically handle tasks currently done by engineers and production teams, though he admitted he does not much like the idea of this automation.[1]
Our read of the evidence
Mostly unverified. The claims about Kojima's views on DLSS 5 are based only on reports from kotaku.com, with no primary source confirmation. All three timeline entries rely on that single outlet and lack a direct statement or record from Kojima himself, leaving the evidence unverified.
Our rating counts evidence, not opinions about anyone: events confirmed by a primary source (the person's own post, their official site, a court or government record) weigh most, then how many independent outlets report the story.
What happens next
October 31, 2026: Kojima Productions will mark its 10th anniversary with Beyond the Strand, an exhibition at Azabudai Hills Gallery in Tokyo, according to invenglobal.com.
Frequently asked
What is Hideo Kojima's current status on AI and DLSS 5?
Kojima has expressed mixed feelings about the technology, stating he does not like the idea of AI altering his work. As of October 6, 2026, per gamingbolt.com, he concedes that "this will probably become standard" in the industry.
Why does Kojima criticize DLSS 5 specifically?
Kojima argues that DLSS 5 and similar AI tools cannot understand the specific creative intentions behind a work. He stated that he would not want someone changing the specific lighting setups he chose for his original projects.
Did Kojima say Death Stranding 2 needs DLSS 5?
No, Kojima noted that fans argued the game did not need the technology. He clarified that his team focuses on manual lighting refinement to make actors look their best, rather than relying on the AI upscaling.
Will Kojima use AI in his future projects?
Kojima stated that he might use AI if he were the one controlling it in his own work. However, he is not sure if technologies like DLSS 5 will play a major role at Kojima Productions going forward.
More related drama (4)
Sources (4)
- kotaku.com, Kojima Has ‘Mixed’ Feelings On DLSS 5 As AI Can’t Grasp Intent, Oct 5, 2026.
- Youtube (original post).
- gamingbolt.com, Metal Gear Creator Doesn’t Like AI Tech Like DLSS 5, Concedes it Will “Probably Become Standard”, Oct 6, 2026.
- invenglobal.com, Hideo Kojima has 'mixed feelings' about NVIDIA's AI-powered DLSS 5, Oct 5, 2026.
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 3 dated events from 4 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Hideo Kojima Criticizes DLSS 5: AI Lacks Creator Intent.”
GenZHype, 6 October 2026,
https://genzhype.com/gaming/hideo-kojima-criticizes-dlss-5-ai-lacks-creator-intent/.