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We're only a few weeks into 2026 and already the use of generative artificial intelligence for game development is becoming a frequently discussed topic.
GameDiscoverCo. According to a LinkedIn post by founder Simon Carless, developers using generative-AI are required to disclose when uploading their games to Steam.
Interestingly, Steam has recently written – but not removed – its 'Does your game have AI?' dev disclosure form. Valve doesn't need to quote 'AI powered tools' (like code assistants) clarifying – “Efficiencies come from use. [AI powered dev tools] This is not the focus of this section.” — GameDiscoverCo (@gamediscoverco.bsky.social) 2026-01-16T15:05:38.619Z
Before uploading a game to Steam, the developer is required to disclose whether Zen AI was used during the development of the game. If it was, the Steam listing would have a tag that read, “Made with AI.”
Under the new language, if developers used AI-assisted tools that speed up game development — perhaps, for example, if AI was used to help with coding or other similar tasks — they would no longer need to disclose.
However, if gen AI was used to create game assets in their entirety, or if the game itself is using generative AI to create game assets, that should still be disclosed. Developers are also required to disclose whether or not generative AI was used for any marketing assets.
The change comes a week after Larian Studios – the developer of Baldur's Gate 3 and the upcoming Divinity – was criticized for disclosing the use of generative AI in the early game development stages. In a recent Reddit AMA, Larian Studios CEO Sven Vinke said the studio would “refrain” from using generative AI tools after the backlash.
Divinity, Baldur's Gate 3 Dev Hit With Backlash Over GenAI Use [UPDATE]
Larian CEO Swen Vinke commented on using generative AI in game development like the upcoming Divinity.
It's an interesting distinction Valve is making with this change. This suggests that the use of AI-powered tools is fine as long as it's in the name of “efficiency gains,” a topic that's certainly been brought up this year.
