Indie developers face extortion via AI-generated game clones

Indie game developers are reporting a new form of extortion involving AI-generated clone games. Weasel Pit, developer of the roguelite ‘Iron Pilgrim’, reported being threatened by an individual named Zagir Harif, who claimed they would release an AI-recreated version of the game on Steam unless a payment of $200 in Steam items was made within 24 hours.

While some media outlets raised questions regarding the authenticity of the claim, other developers, including Psicodart Games, reported receiving similar demands from the same individual.

The incident has prompted caution among developers in Japan. tomo-mana, co-representative of GREENHORN and developer of ‘Project Solaris’, announced a decision to halt regular progress updates to prevent potential theft of game mechanics and requirements through AI analysis.