Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney is taking shots at Steam again. This time his target is Valve’s rules on generative AI disclosures.
Sweeney called Steam’s AI disclosure policy “abhorrent.” He also described the store’s AI labels as a “political statement.”
Valve laid out its approach in January 2024. Games made with generative AI can be sold on Steam, but developers have to say so. Developers do this through Steam’s Content Survey, which they fill out when submitting a game.
All developers must promise that their AI content isn’t illegal or infringing. Games with live-generated content face an extra step. Developers have to explain what safeguards stop the AI from producing illegal material. Valve also added a way for players to report illegal AI content they find in a game.
Valve said much of this disclosure would appear on the game’s Steam store page. That way shoppers can see how AI was used.
Label me confused
Players were quick to push back online. Many asked why someone so excited about AI would mind games saying they use it.
Not everyone agreed. Some argued that the labels can bring unfair attacks on developers, especially since the line between “acceptable” and “unacceptable” AI use is still blurry.
