Over a Thousand Games in Steam Next Fest Feature Generative AI Disclosures
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Roughly 20 percent of the games featured in the latest Steam Next Fest include generative AI disclosures, highlighting the growing presence of AI tools in game development and the ongoing debates around transparency.
Steam Next Fest continues to be the ultimate testing ground for upcoming PC releases, giving players thousands of playable demos to check out in one place. As reported by Connor Makar at Eurogamer, tracking data shows that out of the roughly 8,700 games participating in the current event, over 1,700 feature a generative AI disclosure. That means roughly 20 percent of the festival's lineup is using the technology in some capacity, highlighting just how rapidly developers are integrating these tools into their pipelines.
Valve's storefront rules require creators to explicitly state how they use generative AI during production, though minor exceptions exist for purely runtime-adjacent efficiency gains. These mandatory disclosures have already sparked major industry conversations and occasional controversies. For instance, Sega recently faced intense scrutiny over shifting messaging regarding generative AI usage in the upcoming Crazy Taxi revival, moving from claims of asset generation to using the tech strictly for reference material. Meanwhile, studios like Embark and upcoming blockbusters such as Crimson Desert continue to navigate the landscape where AI tools intersect with traditional development.
For players, this massive influx of AI-assisted projects brings complex questions about transparency, artistry, and the value of digital creation. While some studios look to AI for rapid prototyping and workflow streamlining, the gaming community remains deeply cautious, especially given how hardware supply chains and component pricing have been strained by the broader tech boom. As digital ownership, content pipelines, and development transparency become increasingly central to how we consume games, Steam's disclosure system gives players the visibility needed to make informed choices about what they support.
Tags: Steam Next Fest, Generative AI, PC Gaming, Game Development, Valve
Original article: Eurogamer