The massive digital distribution company Valve has released new rules for game developers that want to release their works on the Steam platform. Provisions that particularly cover the usage of AI-generated content have been updated, with an emphasis on preventing copyright infringement.
Developers were notified of the update to the Content Survey that comes with game submissions through an official statement on Steam. The updated survey now includes a specific section on AI disclosure, which requires creators to explain how they use AI in both the game development and execution stages.
Valve has delineated AI usage into two overarching categories for clarity:
Pre-Generated:
Any content—sound, graphics, code, or other elements—created during the game's creation with the use of AI technologies must be disclosed by the developers. Valve guarantees that no unlawful or infringing content is included by emphasising compliance with the Steam Distribution Agreement. Similar to typical non-AI material, AI-generated content will be closely examined during the pre-release evaluation process to ensure that it lives up to the hype.
Live-Generated:
Content created by AI tools during gameplay falls into this category. Developers are required to indicate the measures taken to avoid the creation of illicit content, in addition to the laws that apply to Pre-Generated AI content. Developers must describe in the Content Survey the safeguards put in place to guarantee ethical AI use.
By making use of the information that is made public on Steam pages, Valve demonstrates its ongoing commitment to open. The goal of this project is to provide gamers the ability to make knowledgeable judgements about what to buy, particularly when AI-generated material is involved. Additionally, an immediately accessible in-game overlay allows players to report content they feel breaches Valve's regulations.
To sum up, Valve's proactive stance on AI disclosure is indicative of its commitment to creating a morally and responsibly-minded gaming community on Steam. In addition to giving developers a well-organized framework for implementing AI, the new standards enable players to actively participate in upholding a high quality of content integrity.