A method for adjusting complexity of content rendered by a graphical processing unit (GPU) is described. The method includes processing, by the GPU, an image frame for a scene of a game. The method further includes tracking one or more metrics regarding the processing of the image frame during the processing of the image frame. During the processing of the image frame, the method includes sending a quality adjuster signal (QAS) to a shader associated with a game engine. The QAS is generated based on the one or more metrics associated with the processing by the GPU. During the processing of the image frame, the method includes adjusting, by the shader, one or more shader parameters upon receipt of the QAS, wherein said adjusting the one or more shader parameters changes a level of complexity of the image frame being processed by the GPU.