Valve has introduced new guidelines regarding what kinds of AI-generated content it will allow developers to include in games published on Steam. The move comes as AI tools that can automatically generate images, text, code, and other content have become more advanced and widely available.
In a post earlier today, Valve said it is updating its submission process to require developers to disclose if and how they used AI tools to create content for their games. Developers must affirm that any AI-generated content does not include anything illegal or infringe on copyrights.
For games with dynamic, real-time AI content generation, developers must detail what safeguards they have implemented to prevent inappropriate content from being created.
Since it is not feasible for Valve to manually review all dynamic content, the company is also launching a new reporting system that will allow Steam users to easily flag questionable AI-generated content they encounter while playing.
Store pages for games with AI elements will also indicate the types of AI-generated content they contain, providing transparency to potential players.
The policy clarification comes after Valve admitted last year that it was still evaluating how to handle AI content as part of its submission review process. Several developers had complained that their AI-enhanced games were rejected from Steam without clear explanations.
“We needed some time to improve our understanding of the risks and opportunities involved with this fast-moving field,” Valve explained. “We also wanted to observe how the legal issues surrounding AI generation shook out.”
For now, Valve says it still cannot allow games that feature real-time adult sexual AI content on Steam, but it plans to reassess this policy as the technology and laws evolve. The company positioned the guidelines as a starting point that will be refined over time.
(Photo by Edgar Almeida on Unsplash)
See also: Gemini Pro: Google empowers developers with advanced AI capabilities
Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with Digital Transformation Week and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.
Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.
