Hideo Kojima Has Mixed Feelings on DLSS 5 Because AI Can't Understand Creative Intent

Kojima Voices Concerns About AI Taking Control From Artists

Hideo Kojima has shared his reservations about AI upscaling technology, particularly NVIDIA's DLSS 5, after images surfaced showing the tech applied to Death Stranding 21

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. Speaking on the latest episode of his KOJI10 podcast—the first to premiere with official English subtitles—the Metal Gear Solid director revealed mixed feelings on AI's role in creative work1

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. "As a creator, I have mixed feelings about this technology," Kojima stated, highlighting a growing tension between efficiency and artistic vision2

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DLSS 5 Sparks Debate Over Artistic Intent

Kojima's comments came after people sent him images of DLSS 5 being used on Death Stranding 2, with many noting the game "didn't need it" and looked "a little odd with it on"1

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. The director acknowledged that NVIDIA's technology can make CG characters closer to photorealism, but questioned whether this enhancement respects creative intent1

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. "There was a reason I chose a particular lighting setup. It would be different if AI understood those intentions," he explained2

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. The leaked version of DLSS 5 that emerged in late August 2026 generated divisive reactions across creative industries1

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AI Can't Grasp Intent Behind Artistic Choices

The director's primary concern centers on AI's inability to understand the deliberate decisions behind original work. Kojima drew parallels to remastering films and restoring old movies, noting that while AI could easily restore old films in 4K—work currently done by hand—it cannot comprehend why specific artistic choices were made1

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. "As the person who made the original, I wouldn't want someone changing it too much," he stated2

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. This positions AI in creative work as a tool that prioritizes technical enhancement over human oversight and artistic vision2

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Kojima's Evolving Stance on AI in Creative Industries

Kojima's mixed feelings on AI represent a shift from his earlier positions. In 2025, he compared AI's importance to the leap from 2D to 3D in video games and called it a "friend" that could "boost efficiency" in game development1

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. He even starred in an AI-generated Prada advertisement in May 20261

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. However, by June 2026, he stated he wasn't "interested" in AI creating art during his lifetime1

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. His current stance suggests growing skepticism about AI taking control from artists without proper creative oversight.

What This Means for Future Game Development

Kojima acknowledged that AI upscaling technology "will probably become standard" but expressed discomfort with the idea2

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. "Unless I was controlling the AI in my own work, that may be different. I don't know, though," he noted, suggesting acceptance only with direct creator control1

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. The director predicted AI might eventually automate restoration work entirely: "Maybe AI will eventually do all that automatically. In a hundred years, the resolution may be even higher. But I don't much like the idea"2

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. Watch for how Kojima Productions approaches AI implementation in upcoming titles like OD and Physint, where maintaining artistic integrity will likely take precedence over automated enhancement.