Amid the ongoing discourse surrounding generative AI, Valve has made a notable adjustment to the declaration form that developers must complete when submitting their games to Steam. This update emphasizes elements that are “consumed by players,” which encompasses a wide range of in-game content, including art assets, music, and writing, as well as marketing materials and community assets. By shifting the focus away from development tools aimed at enhancing efficiency—tools that can often be utilized without the need for disclosure—Valve is refining its approach to transparency in game development.
Clarifying AI Use in Game Development
It has been two years since Valve first introduced the AI disclosure section for game submissions, a period marked by rapid advancements and escalating discussions in the realm of artificial intelligence. While there is a growing acceptance of certain AI applications—evidenced by the success of titles like Arc Raiders, which employs text-to-speech technology for character voice lines—the necessity for developers to disclose AI-generated content remains paramount.
In the updated declaration, shared via screenshots by GameDiscoverCo on Bluesky, Valve acknowledges the integration of AI-powered tools within modern game development environments. The company clarifies that the focus of this section is not on the efficiency gains these tools may provide but rather on the content that is ultimately delivered to players. Developers are now required to declare any AI-generated elements, including “artwork, sound, narrative, localization, etc.” This marks a significant step in ensuring that players are aware of the origins of the content they engage with.
Additionally, Valve has retained a separate check for games that utilize artificial intelligence to generate content or code during gameplay. The updated guidelines specify that players will have the ability to report any content they find inappropriate or infringing on copyright. Valve emphasizes the developer’s responsibility to implement safeguards against exposing users to such content, warning that failure to comply could result in the removal of the app from the store.
The distinction between acceptable and unacceptable use of AI tools remains a complex and subjective matter. For instance, while Photoshop’s auto-fill features have gained widespread acceptance, the landscape continues to evolve. The recent backlash surrounding Larian’s use of generative AI tools during the early development stages of Divinity prompted the studio to firmly state its decision to refrain from using such tools, even in conceptual phases.
Valve’s revised disclosure form serves as a clarification rather than a complete overhaul, allowing certain AI tools to blend into the background while directing attention to the areas of greatest concern for the audience. As discussions surrounding AI in gaming persist, it is clear that this topic will remain relevant, with ongoing developments likely to emerge well into the future.
