Valve, the owner of PC gaming storefront Steam, recently clarified its position on the use of AI-generated assets in game development. While the company is not discouraging the use of AI, it will take action against any titles that infringe copyright laws. The clarification came in response to a Reddit user’s claim that Valve rejected his game, which included assets generated using AI. Valve cited copyright issues and offered a refund on purchased app credits. Recognizing the ongoing debates surrounding the use of AI tools in the industry, Valve stated that it aims to integrate AI into its existing review policies. The company emphasized that its review process aligns with current copyright laws and policies, and as these evolve, so will Valve’s approach.
The Issue of Plagiarism and Innovation
The use of AI-generated art has sparked debates about plagiarism, as the software repurposes existing assets from the Internet and combines them in a desired style. Valve seeks to prevent this by encouraging innovation, as long as developers use assets with appropriate commercial licenses. If Valve detects that developers do not own the rights to a certain asset, it will not accept the game for distribution on Steam. However, determining whether a game lacks copyright licenses for an asset remains unclear. Valve will offer refunds for all app-submission credits in such cases while refining its policies. This places the responsibility on developers to seek ownership of datasets from the companies generating the AI assets. Valve’s statement essentially acts as a discreet ban on using AI-generated assets without proper licensing, as publishers do not want to face legal repercussions.
The Impact on Artists and Job Opportunities
The use of AI in media raises concerns about fewer job opportunities for artists. For example, the intro of Marvel’s Secret Invasion featured shapeshifting art that resembled something created with AI tools. Method Studios, the studio behind the opening, clarified that no artist jobs were replaced by incorporating AI. They emphasized that the production involved traditional work from the art department, animators, compositors, and other artists. AI was only used to create the characters’ attributes and movements. While this case may not have resulted in job loss, the increasing use of AI in art creation raises questions about the future of employment for artists.
In other news, Steam is currently hosting its annual Summer Sale, offering discounts of up to 85 percent on select titles. However, some games may be available at better prices on the GreenManGaming (GMG) storefront. It is advisable to compare prices before making any purchases. Indian debit cardholders should also ensure they have enabled international transactions on their cards before shopping on GMG.
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