AMD recently revealed two new graphics cards to round out its RDNA 3 collection, while also addressing ongoing concerns about its relationships with game developers. As the business announces an attractive hardware bundle for the highly anticipated RPG Starfield, worries concerning Nvidia's DLSS technology loom.
On Friday, AMD's Chief Architect of Gaming Solutions, Frank Azor, made a significant comment, hinting that the company would not prevent Bethesda from including Nvidia's DLSS upscaling technology into Starfield if the game developer chose to do so. Azor confirmed The Verge that AMD fully supports such a decision and that no restrictions are in place.
AMD's Clarification on DLSS Integration Amid Speculations
This answer comes in response to rising rumours that AMD restricts the use of DLSS in games due to marketing agreements. However, it appears that when Starfield is released, it will not include DLSS.
A comparison of Nvidia and AMD sponsored gaming offers indicates an intriguing trend. The vast majority of Nvidia-sponsored titles are compatible with AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) technology. In comparison, Nvidia's upscaling method is used by a much smaller number of AMD-sponsored titles.
AMD's past lack of transparency in this topic has further added to the confusion. Even after the company's latest attempt to shed light on the problem, several contractual specifics remained unknown. Azor confirmed that financial exchanges for technical support are part of these agreements, with the expectation that partners prioritise AMD's technology, but he highlighted that AMD does not ban the use of DLSS.
DLSS and XeSS Absence in Starfield Sparks Concerns
Despite extensive study of Starfield's preload files on PC, no evidence of DLSS or Intel's XeSS support has been found. Given the controversy surrounding their stance on competitor GPU technologies in their sponsored titles, this probable omission has sparked concerns about potential backlash against both Bethesda and AMD.
Previous events, on the other hand, appear to validate Azor's claim. Regardless of sponsorship, recent PC adaptations of Sony games have included both upscaling technologies. Similarly, despite an established agreement with AMD, Microsoft's Deathloop incorporated DLSS in a post-launch upgrade. Despite the lack of current information, Starfield is expected to include FSR 2 at launch.
Azor noted that Bethesda's preference for FSR 2 could be due to its increased accessibility. FSR 2 can be used on Xbox and several modern PC GPUs, whereas DLSS requires Nvidia GPUs beginning with the GeForce RTX 2000 series. Despite FSR 2's greater compatibility, DLSS frequently outperforms FSR 2 in terms of image quality.
AMD Reveals Starfield Hardware Bundle Details
Notably, the fundamental AI frameworks for DLSS and Intel's XeSS are comparable, making integration extremely simple. A developer of the calibre of Bethesda might theoretically combine both techniques, especially given the community-driven addition of missing upscaling methods in games that support only one of the technologies. Although concerns have been made regarding the modder's subscription-based access strategy, prolific modder PureDark has impressively merged DLSS into numerous older AAA titles, including Bethesda's Skyrim and Fallout 4.
Furthermore, AMD has revealed information about its Starfield hardware bundle. Customers who buy select Ryzen 9, 7, or 5 CPUs from the 7000 or 6000 series, as well as Radeon RX 7000 and 6000 GPUs starting at the RX 6600, will receive a free Steam copy of the game. Notably, the recently announced 7800 XT and 7700 XT GPUs, which have the same release date as Starfield, are not included in the deal. The premium version is included with high-end processors and graphics cards, while the ordinary edition is included with mid-range alternatives.
Starfield will be available on PC, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S on September 6. Customers who pre-order the premium edition, on the other hand, will have early access beginning September 1.
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