Tim Sweeney criticizes Steam's mandatory AI disclosure policy

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has renewed his criticism of Valve's policy on the Steam platform, which requires developers to disclose the use of generative artificial intelligence in their games. Sweeney described the requirement as “abhorrent,” arguing that it forces developers to make what he considers a “political statement” that can be weaponized against them by organized online hate groups.

The controversy stems from Steam's transparency rules, which mandate that creators specify if AI was used for assets such as graphics, music, text, or game mechanics. While Valve maintains these disclosures are necessary to provide transparency for consumers and protect artists, Sweeney contends the policy unfairly targets developers—particularly independent creators—by exposing them to community backlash.

Recent data from Steam Next Fest indicates that nearly 20% of participating demos included AI disclosures. While some studios use AI as a supplementary tool for coding or art, the mandatory labeling remains a point of significant friction between the leaders of the industry's two major storefronts.