Epic CEO Sweeney calls Steam AI disclosure irresponsible

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has sharply criticized rival platform Steam for its policy requiring developers to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in game development, labeling the practice "really irresponsible" and a "Scarlet Letter" that harms developers' chances of success. Sweeney made the comments in a recent interview with PC Gamer, arguing that the mandatory labels foster a "hater community" that targets games using AI tools.

Sweeney's core contention is that Steam's dominant market position forces developers to list their games on the store for visibility, yet the AI disclosure requirement then subjects them to significant backlash. He stated that developers are caught in a difficult position: they can either forgo AI tools that increase productivity and risk failing against competitors who use them, or they can use the tools and face potential vilification from players. He described AI as a crucial "productivity tool" that allows smaller studios and indie developers to create unique assets economically and compete with larger-budget productions.

The CEO acknowledged that some AI models have been trained using unethical methods, referencing past industry...