AI has caused a shift in computer graphics, with Nvidia leading the charge. Today, all major GPU manufacturers (Nvidia, AMD, and Intel) offer AI technologies such as upscaling and frame generation within their feature sets. While many people seem fine with upscaling for better performance, especially with it becoming more and more seamless, frame generation remains a more controversial topic.

While we think Frame Gen is great for PC gaming, using it as a crutch for better performance generally doesn’t go down well with the PC gaming crowd. People are starting to think that game developers are relying on it too much, and a recent poll we ran seems to back this up – over half of the responses agree.

Is a higher framerate always better?

We’ll leave the poll up and running to let you have your say, but the results (at the time of writing) tell us that just 24% of our readers agree that a higher framerate is always better. Less than 20% are bothered by the latency frame generation that can incur. This tends to be more noticeable when dealing with lower native framerates or using Multi Frame Gen on Nvidia’s RTX 50 series or external software such as Lossless Scaling.

It could be argued that while more frames look great on benchmark charts, it doesn’t necessarily mean the game will feel as smooth as it would if you were pushing just as many frames natively, without frame gen. We found this easily noticeable when testing frame generation on devices like the Steam Deck, especially when trying to double your FPS from 30 or so.

Frame generation isn’t going anywhere

While you may agree that game developers are relying on frame generation too much, it certainly isn’t going anywhere. The list of DLSS 4 games is growing, and the same goes for AMD’s FSR and Intel’s XeSS. The problem lies with optimization, an aspect of PC releases that gamers are quick to scrutinize.

AAA games will only get more demanding, with ray tracing as a requirement, leading to more reliance on AI performance buffs. Monster Hunter Wilds is an example of a game that relied on frame gen in its system requirements, and some may fear this will become a more regular occurrence.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.