The debate over the use of generative AI tools in video game development continues to stir heated discussions across the industry. With strong opinions on both sides, some developers embrace these tools for their potential, while others resist, questioning their necessity. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, is a vocal advocate for the integration of AI in game development. He also speaks against a current practice seen on platforms such as Steam, where developers must disclose if generative AI tools were used in their games.
Generative AI Disclosure on Steam
Presently, games featuring generative AI tools must declare this on their Steam pages. A prime example is ARC Raiders, which openly highlights its use of AI at the bottom of its Steam page. In contrast, games like Beyond Words, developed by former Timesplitters and GoldenEye developers, might not immediately reveal their AI usage without such disclosures. There’s also a subset of developers who either acknowledge their use of AI only when caught or quietly remove it without any disclosure at all.
Tim Sweeney’s Stance on AI Tags
In a discussion sparked by Unreal Engine developer Matt Workman, who argued for the removal of generative AI tags on platforms like Steam, Tim Sweeney voiced his agreement. He believes that having these tags in game stores is illogical. According to Sweeney, the future will see nearly all games incorporating AI, rendering these disclosures unnecessary. “The AI tag is relevant to art exhibits for authorship disclosure, and to digital content licensing marketplaces where buyers need to understand the rights situation. It makes no sense for game stores, where AI will be involved in nearly all future production,” he remarked.
The Future of AI in Game Development
Sweeney’s vision of AI’s pervasive role in future game production remains contentious. Some industry leaders, such as Nexon’s CEO, suggest that players should already assume AI’s involvement in most games, though many developers publicly deny ever using these tools. Regardless of one’s position, generative AI in game development is poised to persist, especially within triple-A titles. As AI technology becomes more prevalent, it remains to be seen whether developers opposed to AI will begin to market their games by highlighting the absence of these tools. This could challenge claims that consumers “do not care” about AI’s involvement in the creation of their games.
Whichever side you fall on, GenAI tools in game development, especially in triple-A game development, are undoubtedly here to stay.