Tim Sweeney accused Valve of causing financial harm to developers due to the labeling of AI content
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has once again criticized Steam’s requirements to disclose information about the use of generative AI in games. In his opinion, such practices could negatively impact the sales of their projects.
Series of statements by Sweeney were published on X from October 23 to 25. He described Valve's requirements as a political act, comparing them to forcing developers to disclose their political beliefs.
“Forcing developers to write political statements, which are then used against them by a mob of haters, is disgusting,” wrote the head of Epic Games.
Later, Sweeney stated that such disclosures could be used to organize game boycotts. In his view, Valve consequently causes economic harm to developers, comparable to losing a significant portion of revenue.
It should be noted that from 2024, Steam requires developers to disclose information regarding the use of generative AI. However, the rules do not apply to all uses of the technology. Studios must report AI-generated materials incorporated into the game and content generated directly during gameplay. It is not necessary to specify the use of AI for automating work processes.
Interestingly, Epic Games’ own asset marketplace, Fab, also provides labeling for AI-created materials. In response to user comments, Sweeney explained that Fab is oriented toward professional buyers who need to know the origin of the content they are purchasing.