Last year, Steam announced that developers would have to disclose whether generative AI is used in the creation of their games going forward. This was a largely uncontroversial move to address concerns about the technology. In other words, it's a way to scrap an artist's work without permission, further damaging the environment, and undermining human creativity in order to save money.
AI continues to be a sore spot, as we've seen with Black Ops 7's calling card and Arc Raiders' voice acting being the focus of many negative reviews. Many people have pointed out that these disclaimers help them avoid these games and “soulless slop.” However, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took issue with Valve's mandatory disclosure, claiming it “makes no sense” about X.
AI will be included in almost all production in the future.
“AI tags are relevant to art exhibitions for copyright release and the digital content licensing market where buyers need to understand the rights situation,” Sweeney explained. “It doesn’t make sense for game stores, where AI will be involved in almost every creation in the future.”
[Everyone Disliked That]
Unsurprisingly, Sweeney's comments have proven more controversial than the AI disclosures. Dutch composer Joris de Man responded, “A friendly reminder that game/TV trailers should have a 'not real gameplay' disclaimer because gamers are tired of being mistaken for flashy pieces of CGI. I worked on the trailer that started it all. AI should be the same. Gamers have the right to know.”
Fortnite UEFN game developer @KiriBuilds said: “Aren't video games essentially digital interactive art exhibitions? Isn't that why people enjoy narrative game experiences? Because they make you feel engaged and immersed in a well-crafted world. I think the *last* thing players want is an AI-generated story or experience.”
On r/Steam, players like u/shoalhavenheads saw through Sweeney's argument, suggesting, “If it doesn't matter anymore, why does it matter? I have nothing to hide. Tell me how AI is involved in game creation.”
u/Front2battle added, “If you think AI is the future, proudly wear the tag 'We built this using AI' and watch your sales plummet.”
me love Steam makes them blame themselves for the AI they use. Both because it allows people to ignore people using AI art and because it's fun to jump through hoops to explain how AI is only used for 'prototyping' – u/mwoody450.
Others, like u/Vald-Tegor, noted that “he was outspoken in saying that the games they were making weren't art”, which I'm sure many developers would disagree with.
Ignoring all of these responses, Sweeney jumps into a paper-thin analogy that doesn't hold up to even the lightest scrutiny. “Why stop using AI? Developers could be mandated to disclose what brand of shampoo they use. Customers deserve to know.”
“Thanks Tim! Was looking for another excuse to stay away from Epic,” one Reddit commenter said.
- brand
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valve
- original release date
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September 12, 2003
- Original MSRP (USD)
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Not applicable
- weight
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Not applicable
