Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney says it doesn’t make sense for digital game stores to flag if a game uses AI during development.
Earlier this month, X user Matt Workman posted, “Steam and all digital marketplaces need to get rid of the ‘Made with AI’ label. It doesn’t matter anymore.”
Sweeney spotted the post on Wednesday and responded to it, saying he agrees with Workman because he thinks AI will be used in so many games in the future that its existence will almost go unnoticed.
“I agree,” he wrote. “AI tags are relevant for art exhibits to disclose authorship information and digital content licensing marketplaces where buyers need to understand rights status. It makes no sense for game stores where AI will be involved in nearly all future productions.”
When another user said, “Customers have a right to know,” Sweeney replied, “Why stop at using AI? They could force developers to disclose the brand of shampoo they use. Customers have a right to know (lol).”
Starting in early 2024, Steam will require developers to disclose whether generative AI is used in their games when submitting games to Steam.
Developers must not only disclose whether generative AI was used, but also explain exactly how it is used. This will appear in the game’s store in a section called “Disclosure of AI-generated content.”
For example, the ARC Raiders Steam page states, “During the development process, we may use procedural and AI-based tools to assist in content creation. In all such cases, the final product reflects the creativity and expression of the development team.”
Players who don’t necessarily support the use of generative AI can use this information to decide whether to still purchase the game.
The Epic Games Store has no such requirements, and based on Sweeney’s recent comments, it seems unlikely that it will implement them.
