In an interview with the international media outlet GamesBeat, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Steam’s requirement to disclose specific uses of generative AI on store pages, calling it “harmful” because it obscures the actual quality of the games.
Tim Sweeney Continues to Criticize Steam’s Handling of Generative AI
Sweeney has long been an enthusiastic advocate for the use of generative AI in game development, and features utilizing generative AI are being introduced one after another in Epic Games’ game engine, “Unreal Engine.”
Additionally, while Steam’s store policies require disclosure when generative AI tools are used for content such as art, he criticized this stance as “abhorrent.”
Clarifying Their Position Once Again
In an interview with the international media outlet GamesBeat, Sweeney clarified his position once again, stating that “the reason I remain an enthusiastic supporter of AI” is that advancements in AI are evident in every aspect of game development and are improving productivity.
He also argued that there is a movement resisting AI, which is attempting to prevent developers from using it through personal attacks and review bombing. He added that this is “a matter of survival for every company in the industry.”
The publication then asked Sweeney what he thought about Valve’s requirement on Steam to disclose the use of generative AI, citing the importance of transparency for consumers.
“I don’t agree with it at all,” Sweeney replied, explaining that good and bad games can be made regardless of whether AI is used. He stated that linking AI to bad games is unfair to developers who use AI to create excellent games.He also criticized the fact that on Steam—which already has a review system designed to convey game quality—such AI disclosure is being used in a “harmful” way.
