Steam's Stance on AI-Generated Content in Games
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of the workforce, and the gaming industry is no exception. As more companies announce the integration of AI into their workforce, it's natural to wonder: can games sold on Steam use AI-generated content? In this article, we'll delve into Steam's stance on AI-generated content in games and what it means for developers and players.
What does AI mean in the context of games?
AI is often misunderstood, with some people thinking it's the next generation of life forms created by humans. However, in the context of games, AI is primarily used as a tool to speed up work processes. For example, AI can be used to generate content such as images, voicework, and dialogue. This raises several questions, including whether games sold on Steam are allowed to use AI-generated content.
Can Games Sold on Steam Use AI-Generated Content?
Yes, but with caveats. Games sold on Steam are allowed to use AI-generated content, but developers must agree to certain terms. One of the main concessions is that the game must display a disclaimer stating that it uses AI-generated content. This disclaimer may deter some players from trying the game's demo.
Steam staff will review each game to ensure it meets the platform's terms of service, which were updated in January 2024 to include a section on AI-generated content. This review process will help identify any potential conflicts or issues with the game's content.
Types of AI-Generated Content on Steam
Steam categorizes AI-generated content into two categories:
- Pre-generated content: This includes images, voicework, and other content created before the game is released.
- Live-generated content: This type of content is generated by AI as the game is being played and may include artwork and dialogue.
All AI-generated content must comply with Steam's terms of service, including:
- No content rated as Adult Only.
- No illegal content.
- No content that infringes on existing copyrights.
- Developers must provide Steam with details on how live-generated content is limited to prevent copyright infringement and ensure it meets Steam's content guidelines.
Can You Report AI-Generated Content in Games on Steam?
Yes, you can report AI-generated content. Steam has a function that allows players to report AI-generated content that infringes on existing copyrights or contains illegal content. However, this function is not meant to report all instances of AI-generated content.
It's essential to note that if a game on Steam uses AI-generated content without the required disclaimer, players can report it to Steam staff. This helps maintain the integrity of the platform and ensures that all content meets Steam's terms of service.
In conclusion, Steam's stance on AI-generated content in games is clear: while AI-generated content is allowed, developers must comply with Steam's terms of service and provide the necessary disclaimers. Players can also report AI-generated content that infringes on existing copyrights or contains illegal content.