Developers Must Disclose AI Implementation, Separating Pre-Generated and Live-Generated Steam Content
Steam has implemented new guidelines to enhance transparency regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video games available on its platform. Developers are now required to disclose detailed information about how AI is utilized both in the development process and during the execution of their games.
The latest update to Steam’s Content Survey, completed by developers during the game submission process, introduces a dedicated AI disclosure section. This section mandates developers to provide insights into the specific application of AI in their games, categorizing it into two distinct types: pre-generated and live-generated.
Pre-generated AI usage encompasses content such as art, code, and sound, generated using AI tools during the development phase. Valve, Steam’s parent company, will evaluate pre-generated AI content during its pre-release review, treating it on par with non-AI content. Compliance checks with Steam’s Distribution Agreement, ensuring the absence of illegal or infringing content, will also be conducted alongside an assessment of alignment with marketing materials.
In the case of live-generated content, which involves AI tools actively influencing the game while it is running, developers face additional scrutiny. Alongside providing details in the Content Survey about the measures taken to prevent illegal content generation during gameplay, a new reporting system for players has been introduced. This in-game overlay system allows players to easily report any encountered illegal content generated by AI during gameplay.
The introduction of these guidelines and reporting systems is significant in an industry where the use of AI has sparked debates and concerns among developers regarding potential job displacement. Some companies, like Square Enix, are actively embracing and incorporating AI into their development processes, reflecting the evolving landscape of game development. Steam’s move toward transparency aims to address these concerns while fostering responsible AI integration within the gaming ecosystem.