Valve is banning games with AI-generated content that infringes copyrights.
Reports suggesting Valve will start blocking the publication of games with AI-generated assets started sprouting like mushrooms last week. And now, the gaming firm has finally spoken up to clear uncertainties and end unverified speculations.
Valve Bans Games with AI-Generated Content on Steam
After rumors spread that all games with AI-made assets will be banned on Steam, Valve has clarified the alarming news.
As per Engadget, the gaming firm assured it is not opposed to all AI art. However, it cannot allow games that use AI-generated content to infringe on existing copyrights.
Valve spokesperson Kaci Aitchison Boyle addressed the reports, saying the company will refuse to publish games with AI-made content. Boyle explains that the gaming firm is not discouraging "the use of [AI] on Steam.
Boyle notes, "We welcome and encourage innovation, and AI technology is bound to create new and exciting experiences in gaming." But despite that, she stresses that "while developers can use these AI technologies in their work with appropriate commercial licenses, they can not infringe on existing copyrights."
Given that, Valve will no longer publish games on Steam if they include AI-generated content that infringes on copyrights. This policy change aims to protect intellectual property rights and prevent unauthorized use of copyrighted materials.
As Neowin notes, the new policy covers various AI-created assets, such as music, images, and even text. If this content turns out to violate a copyright, Valve will not reject the application of developers on Steam.
Valve vs. Games with Copyright-Infringing AI Assets
The gaming firm's decision means that developers must ensure that any AI-generated assets used in their games do not violate copyright laws. The company is set to update its guidelines to reflect this change, providing clearer instructions for developers on the use of AI-generated content.
The use of AI in creating game assets has become increasingly prevalent, allowing developers to automate and streamline certain aspects of game development. However, concerns have arisen regarding the potential for AI-generated content to infringe upon existing copyrights.
Valve's new policy addresses these concerns and reinforces the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in the gaming industry. By implementing this ban, the gaming firm aims to maintain a fair and legal environment on its platform while supporting developers in creating original content.
According to The Verge, the Valve spokesperson disclosed that developers with rejected games due to AI copyright issues are eligible for the refund of the app-submission credits. In other words, they could get their money back.