Valve, the owner of the popular gaming platform Steam, has recently been cracking down on games that include AI-generated assets, according to reports. Developers have allegedly been experiencing bans and rejections from Steam if they fail to prove ownership of the original art or text assets used to train AI algorithms.
An anonymous developer took to Reddit to share their experience, stating that they had attempted to release a game featuring AI-generated assets but received a message from Valve indicating that they could not ship the game due to potential copyright infringement. The message highlighted that the AI-generated art appeared to rely on copyrighted material owned by third parties, and until ownership rights were affirmed, the game could not be published on Steam.
Despite the developer’s attempts to remove the disputed content from their game, it was ultimately declined. However, Valve made a gesture of goodwill by refunding the app credits used to submit the game.
Valve has stated that the introduction of AI technology can complicate the process of verifying rights to use AI-generated assets, including images, text, and music. The legal uncertainty surrounding the data used to train AI models poses challenges in ensuring compliance with copyright laws. Valve has emphasized that it is the developer’s responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate rights to include AI-generated assets in their games.
In a statement to PC Gamer, Valve expressed its commitment to integrating AI technology within its existing review policies. The company clarified that its review process aligns with current copyright laws and policies, and it will adapt as these laws evolve over time.
Valve’s recent actions highlight the complexities surrounding AI-generated assets and copyright issues within the gaming industry. As AI continues to advance, it remains important for developers to navigate legal boundaries and secure proper rights when incorporating AI-generated content into their games.
Steam users and developers alike will be closely watching as Valve refines its policies and processes to accommodate the evolving landscape of AI-generated assets in gaming.
