Discussion about AI label on Steam continues. “The dev is being punished for their naive honesty”

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Many gamers want the ability to hide games that use AI-generated content on platforms like Steam, as they prefer not to see these games suggested to them. However, it’s not a simple request. Some developers don’t disclose their use of AI, and often AI is used in minor ways that aren’t really problematic – for example, creating robotic voiceovers for a character.

The METAL EDEN case

METAL EDEN is a science fiction first-person shooter game that came out in September 2025. It was created by Reikon Games and published by Deep Silver. The game’s Steam page states that some of its content was created using artificial intelligence.

This game features voice-over content partially created through AI voice generation tools.

Some gamers immediately disliked the game when they heard about AI being used, as they prefer games without it. When someone dismissed METAL EDEN as low-quality “AI slop,” a developer decided to address the comment.

Thanks for the feedback! Just to add, we used AI to create around ten lines of dialogue for the robot character because we weren’t able to schedule any further recording sessions with actors. Thanks!

The game’s use of AI has sparked a lot of debate online. On Steam and Reddit, players are divided. Some believe the AI was used responsibly and minimally, while others feel the developers should have hired voice actors and worry that AI is harming the game industry. However, some commenters on Reddit are beginning to distinguish between poorly implemented AI and legitimate uses of the technology, with one person suggesting the developer is facing backlash simply for being open about their process.

Should the AI tag stay?

I just read what Tim Sweeney from Epic Games said about labeling games that use AI, and honestly, I kind of agree with him. He’s saying that AI is going to be used in pretty much every game made from now on, so it feels pointless to have to tag each one. He thinks it makes more sense for places where you’re dealing with individual art pieces or licenses, but not for game stores themselves.

Currently, Steam doesn’t let you filter games based on whether they used AI in their development. While players have suggested a filtering system to improve transparency, developers are currently just adding notes to their game descriptions to explain any AI usage.

It’s clear the gaming community wants AI-generated content to be labeled, but they also want transparency about what specifically was created using AI. Recently, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 received criticism because players believe some in-game items, like calling cards and posters, were made by AI. Fans feel the artwork looks noticeably lower in quality than the game’s usual style and argue that a full-priced game shouldn’t rely on what they call “AI-generated content.” While the game’s store page does state that AI was used for some assets, it doesn’t specify which ones, leaving players uncertain about the human versus AI contribution.

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2025-12-05 16:32