Valve's New Policy on AI-Generated Content

Valve has divided its policies on AI-generated content into two different categories:

1. Pre-generated AI Content: This includes any kind of content (art, code, sound, etc.) that was created using AI tools during the game development process.
2. Live-generated AI Content: Refers to content that is created in real-time using AI tools while the game is being played.

Both categories of AI content are thoroughly reviewed by Valve to ensure they do not contain illegal or copyrighted content. Particularly for live-generated AI content, developers must implement features to prevent the creation of illegal content.

AI integration is categorized either as “pre-generated” content created during development (like using Dall-E for game images) or as “live-generated” content created during gameplay like using NVIDIA Avatar Cloud Engine.

Disclosure Obligations and Transparency

A key aspect of Valve’s new policy is the requirement for developers to disclose the extent of AI involvement in the development of their game. This disclosure is not only part of the review process but will also be displayed on the game's Steam page for the sake of transparency to players.

Reporting and Monitoring of AI Content

Players will play a crucial role in this new ecosystem as they will have the ability to report any illegal AI content in games. This approach empowers the community to maintain a healthy and legally compliant gaming environment.

Exclusion of Certain AI-Generated Content

Valve has excluded specific "adult content" created with live-generated AI from being published on Steam. This decision reflects the current complexity and sensitivity surrounding such content, as well as the legal landscape. Specifically for the German audience, there should be no problems in this regard, as "adult content" is mostly subject to geoblocking there.

Valve's Approach: Cautious but Progressive

Valve acknowledges the complexity and challenges in integrating AI-generated content on Steam.

The company is cautious with the goal of supporting new innovations while complying with legal standards. Valve has expressed its intention to continuously adapt and learn from the submissions and legal developments related to AI, indicating future changes to existing policies.

Sources

Steamworks Development  
ArsTechnica  
GameDeveloper  
GamesIndustry.biz