Tim Sweeney criticized Valve’s AI disclosure requirements on Steam. The Epic Games CEO argues these rules harm small developers. According to Windows Central, Sweeney posted his views on X twice in one day. He believes the rules create new problems for game creators.
Steam’s Current AI Policy
Valve requires developers to disclose any use of AI in their games on Steam. Players can see this information before buying. Sweeney posted that games should not need to disclose their use of AI. He later focused his criticism directly on Steam’s storefront rules.
A user on X claimed that Epic now uses AI coding tools for Unreal Engine updates. The post suggested that any game built with Unreal Engine must declare the use of AI under Steam guidelines. Sweeney replied to clarify his position. He said the claim was not true.
Sweeney’s Main Concerns
Sweeney stated he hates to see Valve take opportunity from small developers. He said the rules facilitate cancel campaigns and review bombing. He added that Steam used to just facilitate downloads. Then they blocked payments, price competition, crypto, and now AI.
AI Use in Game Development
Many indie developers now distance their projects from AI entirely. They use the absence of AI as a selling point. This helps reassure players who worry about AI influence in creative work. Black Ops 7 used AI-generated art in the final game. Activision confirmed this use because of Steam’s disclosure policy.
Some studios use AI responsibly. ARC Raiders paid voice actors for using their voices with AI. The worry is that AI will replace key creative roles entirely. This sets a problematic precedent for creative work in game development.
Sweeney said earlier that AI will be involved in nearly all future production. He argued the AI tag makes sense for art exhibits and digital content licensing. But he believes it makes no sense for game stores. The reception to his views was mixed. Some players argue they deserve to know what they are buying. Others feel AI is now part of modern development and should be treated without stigma.
