Multiple platforms are trying to figure out how to manage AI-generated content, as it can be beneficial and dangerous at the same time. In the past, Steam clarified that it would ban games with AI-generated content since it was concerned about the legal issues regarding games and AI.
A few months later, Valve changed its stance, implementing a new set of guidelines that govern the use of AI-powered tools in upcoming games released on Steam.
Why it matters: Whether we like it or not, AI will soon become a major part of the industry, and these new policies reflect the changing landscape of the industry.
Source: Steam
The first thing mentioned in the guidelines is that developers have to go through a standard content survey before publishing their game if they use AI tools in the development or execution of said game.
The guidelines have been categorized as Pre-Generated and Live Generated. Further categories are still unknown but will be added soon. Steam also warns Adult Sexual Content games will not be published due to Valve’s limited knowledge of this content for now.
The aforementioned issue of illegal content will always fall on the developer even when it is filtered by these categories. In other words, if players or businesses discover a game that contains entirely or partially copied or stolen AI-generated content, Steam absolves itself of all liability and places the responsibility on the game developer.
Steam has made clear that it will not prohibit new technologies, whereas, in the case of AI, it is uncontrollable and will only become more popular moving forward.
Recently, Take-Two also highlighted how AI could transform NPCs in modern games. Therefore, it is clear that artificial intelligence will play a major role in future games, and Valve’s decision is a smart move that adapts to the changing landscape.
