The use of AI-generated content in game development is growing rapidly and platforms like Steam are trying to regulate it. Valve’s latest update to Steam’s AI-generated content policy marks a significant shift, providing clearer guidance for developers while reinforcing accountability and transparency.
Steam’s New Approach to AI-generated content in Games
After months of engagement with developers and AI tool creators, Valve has updated how it reviews and publishes games that use AI technology. The goal is simple: enable the release of most AI-assisted games on Steam, while managing legal and reputational risk across its global platform.
At the core of this change is an updated Content Survey, which now includes a mandatory AI disclosure section. You must explain how you use AI in both your development and operation of your game. Steam distinguishes between two categories:
Pre-Generated AI Content
This includes assets such as art, music, dialogue, or code created using AI tools during development. Valve assesses this content in the same way as traditional content ensuring that it complies with the Steam Distribution Agreement
Live-Generated AI Content
This covers content generated dynamically while the game is running. Examples of this include AI-driven dialogue or player interactions. In addition to meeting standard requirements, developers must disclose what guardrails are in place to prevent the generation of illegal or infringing material.
Transparency and Player Reporting
Steam will use these AI disclosures as part of its pre-release review process and will display relevant information on the game’s store page. This allows players to understand how you use AI within your game before buying.
Valve also introduces a new player reporting mechanism for games using AI-generated content on Steam. Players can report unlawful content directly through the Steam overlay, placing greater responsibility on developers to implement effective safeguards.
Key Limitation to Note
One important exception remains: Adult Only Sexual Content generated through live AI systems is currently not permitted on Steam. Developers operating in mature or experimental spaces should take particular care when designing AI systems.
How We Can Help
These changes highlight the importance of clear disclosures, robust guardrails, and strong contractual protections with AI providers. We help developers with AI risk assessments, platform compliance reviews, IP and licensing analysis, and regulatory compliance to help you ship innovative games with confidence.