In a significant shift, Valve, the powerhouse behind the digital game store Steam, has amended its policies to permit the publishing of games utilizing generated AI content. This move comes after last year’s denial of projects involving AI by Valve, citing the need for time to comprehend the evolving technology landscape.
Evolving Steam’s Content Policies
Valve announced on January 10, 2024, that they have revamped their approach to games employing AI technologies after months of study and discussions with game developers. These changes aim to facilitate the release of a majority of AI-driven games on Steam.
Surveying AI Usage in Game Development
One of the key changes involves updating the content questionnaire filled out by developers when submitting their games for Steam review. Developers must now specify whether they utilized AI during development, indicating whether it was pre-generated or dynamically generated in real-time during gameplay.
Preventing Unlawful Content
For pre-generated content, developers are required to commit to Valve that their game won’t include illegal or copyright-violating content. In the case of real-time AI generation, developers must elaborate on implemented in-game safeguards ensuring AI doesn’t generate unlawful content.
Empowering Gamers with Reporting Tools
Steam introduces a new system allowing players to report AI-generated content they find objectionable. Through the in-game interface, players can easily submit complaints about content they believe the in-game safeguards should have filtered.
Exception for Adult AI Content
Valve clarifies that the only exception to these changes pertains to AI-generated sexual content for adults. Steam, for now, remains cautious about releasing such games.
Continued Monitoring and Adaptation
Valve pledges to continue monitoring games submitted to Steam, staying attuned to the evolving legislative landscape surrounding AI. Consequently, the rules may undergo further updates “as the situation warrants.”
In conclusion, these changes signify Valve’s increased openness to AI-driven games on Steam, reflecting a better understanding of the technology and the challenges it presents. Developers can anticipate a more streamlined process for releasing AI-powered games on this leading digital game distribution platform.
