Valve has announced a significant revision to its policy regarding AI-generated content on Steam, signaling a more inclusive approach towards games that incorporate AI technology. This policy update comes with new rules that require developers to disclose how AI has been used in their games.
The company categorizes AI content into two distinct types: pre-generated and live-generated. Pre-generated content includes any material created with AI assistance during the game’s development, such as art, code, or sound. Live-generated content, on the other hand, refers to material created with AI tools in real-time while the game is running.
Under the new policy, Valve will review both types of AI content to ensure they do not contain illegal or infringing material. For live-generated AI content, developers must also demonstrate safeguards to prevent the generation of illegal content within the game.
An essential aspect of this policy is transparency. Developers are now required to disclose their use of AI, which Valve will review prior to the game’s release. This information will then be displayed on the game’s Steam page, informing players about the AI content they can expect.
Valve has also empowered players under this new policy, allowing them to report any illegal AI-generated content they encounter in games.
Valve’s updated approach stems from a deeper understanding of AI’s evolving role in game development, gained through discussions with both AI tool builders and game developers. The company emphasizes the complexity of integrating AI into its platform and acknowledges the challenges faced by developers in navigating these changes.
The new policy marks a departure from last June’s reports, where developers noted Valve’s reluctance to accept AI-assisted games on Steam. Valve clarified that its review process was aligned with current copyright law and policies, and the recent changes are an extension of these ongoing efforts to integrate AI responsibly.
However, Valve has made an exception for Adult Only Sexual Content generated by Live-Generated AI, which will not be permitted under the current policy. The company underscores its commitment to adapt and learn from the games submitted to Steam and the legal landscape surrounding AI, hinting at the possibility of future revisions to the policy.