Steam Week in Review: More than 300 games released on Steam last week, and 120 of them had AI disclosures

Steam continues to churn out a staggering number of new titles, with over 300 games launched in the past week. Among these, 120 games included AI disclosures, shedding light on the increasing use of generative AI in game development. This trend has sparked discussions about the role of AI in the creative process and the implications for both players and developers.

The Rise of AI-Generated Content in Gaming

Android Who Dreams of Stars is a visual novel that exemplifies the growing trend of AI-generated content in gaming. Its trailer features static sci-fi anime images and simple, plaintive music. The game centers around "autonomous android" Eve Nova, whose existence causes both wonder and concern in a futuristic Tokyo governed by AI. Interestingly, the game was developed using AI for its artwork, sound, story, localization, and store assets. This means that nearly every element a player interacts with is created by AI.

My Summer Love Memories is another FMV romance game that utilizes generative AI for its videos, images, and music, with its dialogue composed by a large language model (LLM). Similarly, Kryonull, a visual novel by NovelkaGames, uses AI-generated voices both in the game and on its store page. The game is priced at $100, leading some users to speculate about its legitimacy.

The $100 AI Game Trend

AI-generated games priced at $100 are not a new phenomenon. Typical NPC, developed by SmogGames, was released on May 11 for $100, with its images generated using AI. SmogGames followed up with After the Hero on June 13, again priced at $100, though only the images were AI-generated, not the text. KalendulaGames has also joined this trend, releasing games like Velvet Emergency for $110 and Blood in the Ice and Signal Snow for $100 in May, all with significant AI disclosures.

AI Disclosures and Their Implications

During a week-long review of Steam listings from June 9 to June 16 in Australia, nearly 338 new games were released, with 120 of them including AI disclosures. These disclosures do not always mean that a game is primarily made with AI. Many developers use AI for store page assets, especially capsule images. While this might be a questionable business decision, it doesn't necessarily impact the actual game itself.

Some AI disclosures seem unnecessary. For example, the developers of Underwater claim they use AI-generated images only as art references and not directly in the game. This raises questions about whether such disclosures are truly needed. According to Steam, the disclosure box is concerned with AI content that is shipped with the game and consumed by players. Some developers use this box to defend their use of AI, such as the creators of Kamilia, who insist that less than 1% of their game contains AI-assisted content. Others, like the developer of Idlemoor, use it to clarify that AI-generated logos are used for the store, allowing them to focus on the actual game development.

The Broader Impact of AI in Gaming

The extent to which AI is used in game development is more expansive than anticipated. While many assume AI is primarily used for translation and store page images, it's also being used for music, textures, and narrative elements. This raises concerns about quality control and the impact on human workers in the industry. However, it's arguably less problematic than AI-generated music and textures, which can significantly affect the player experience.

As the landscape of gaming evolves, the integration of AI in game development is becoming more prevalent. This trend highlights the need for greater scrutiny and transparency, as the line between AI-assisted and AI-generated content becomes increasingly blurred.

Top Steam Games by Revenue (June 2 - 9)

Steam releases its top sellers charts on Wednesdays, so the below chart doesn't factor in some late-week releases that might have been big. However, the list provides insight into the most popular games during the week of June 2 to June 9.

  1. Counter-Strike 2
  2. Forza Horizon 6
  3. Gothic 1 Remake
  4. Path of Exile 2
  5. 5007 First Light
  6. Steam Deck
  7. Apex Legends
  8. Paralives
  9. Wuthering Waves
  10. Subnautica 2

The Gothic 1 Remake performed exceptionally well, selling 500,000 copies in its first week and reaching a peak concurrent players count of nearly 78,000. This success highlights the game's popularity, particularly in Europe, where it is a household name.

The appearance of Steam Deck in the list is largely due to stock replenishments and its higher price point compared to average Steam games. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that AI is playing an increasingly significant role in the development and marketing of new titles.