Valve has recently released a new guideline on Steam for developers seeking to release their games on the platform, with specific rules regarding the use of AI-generated content. This guideline includes provisions aimed at addressing the issue of copyright violations, specifically using AI technology that infringes on intellectual property rights.

Changes have been made to the company’s Content Survey, which developers will be required to fill out when submitting their games to the platform. The survey now includes an AI disclosure section, where game developers need to specify how they are utilizing the technology in the game’s development and execution. As part of the guidelines, this new section will be divided into two categories:

Pre-Generated: “Any kind of content (art/code/sound/etc) created with the help of AI tools during development. Under the Steam Distribution Agreement, you promise Valve that your game will not include illegal or infringing content, and that your game will be consistent with your marketing materials. In our pre-release review, we will evaluate the output of AI-generated content in your game the same way we evaluate all non-AI content – including a check that your game meets those promises.”

Live-Generated: “Any kind of content created with the help of AI tools while the game is running. In addition to following the same rules as Pre-Generated AI content, this comes with an additional requirement: in the Content Survey, you’ll need to tell us what kind of guardrails you’re putting on your AI to ensure it’s not generating illegal content.”

In line with the new guideline, Valve will include this disclosure to the greatest extent possible on Steam pages, enabling players to make well-informed purchasing decisions when it comes to content that utilizes AI. Additionally, players will have the option to report content that they believe violates Valve’s policies.

The company apologized for “taking some time to figure this out” but assured us that they will continue their learning process by examining the games currently being submitted to Steam, as well as monitoring the legal developments surrounding AI. They emphasized that they will revisit this decision whenever necessary, considering any new information or insights that may arise.