Steam Next Fest: A Creative Showcase or an AI-Driven Reality?
Have you been following the conversation around Steam Next Fest? You might recall my earlier thoughts on the upcoming Legend of Khiimori, a game that sparked my passion for all things equine. It’s my mission to elevate independent creativity and spotlight developers who may not receive mainstream attention. I’m always on the hunt for the next indie gem to feature, and Next Fest is often the perfect venue. However, the October 2025 edition presented a concerning trend: over 500 demos indicated the use of generative AI in their development.
As I navigated through the demos, it was evident that generative AI left its mark—distorted images and descriptions that seemed more machine-generated than human-crafted. Fortunately, any demo incorporating AI must transparently disclose its usage. This led Techraptor to discover that a remarkable 17% of the showcased games at Steam Next Fest relied on generative AI in various capacities.
These disclosures often highlighted the use of AI in marketing materials and Steam store assets, but it didn’t stop there. AI played a role in everything from concept art to audio elements, coding, writing, and even live in-game calls.
The standout demo utilizing generative AI this time was Cloudheim, which clinched a spot among the top 50 most-played games of the week. Its disclosure claimed that generative AI was primarily used for “internal communication,” but it gave developers the leeway to use the technology at their discretion, raising eyebrows regarding oversight.
Remarkably, Noodle Cat Games addressed possible concerns in their disclosure, stating, “No people have been replaced by AI. This includes artists and engineers on our team, voice actors, localization, or other roles.” Despite the assurance, many in creative fields worry their jobs hang in the balance as generative AI gains traction in game development.
Take Arc Raiders, for instance. Embark Studios unapologetically replaced voice actors with AI for its previous title, The Finals, and a vague mention of using AI to “assist with content creation” on Arc Raiders’ Steam page suggests they might be treading the same path. Observant players have reported awkward dialogue in the extraction shooter, hinting that Embark is indeed following its prior approach.
PCGamesN has reached out to Embark for clarification on how generative AI influenced the voiceovers in Arc Raiders.
A technology that merely amalgamates existing elements lacks the ability to create something truly fresh and meaningful. Imagine Halo multiplayer without Jeff Steitzer enthusiastically proclaiming “Slayer!” A generic AI voice would sap the excitement from every victory. If those iconic lines never existed, the experience would lose its essence. A machine, as sophisticated as it may be, cannot replicate the creativity a human brings to the craft—be it an actor in a studio, a developer writing code, or an artist pouring their life into concept art.
Regrettably, not all games disclose their AI-generated assets upfront. Take The Alters or Hotel Barcelona as prime examples—players often uncover these discrepancies only after the fact. If 504 games at Steam Next Fest disclosed their generative AI usage, how many others might be operating under the radar?
The revelation that so many games at Steam Next Fest relied on generative AI is disheartening. The possibility that even more developers might hide this fact poses a significant risk to the industry. Amid numerous layoffs and a talent crisis, it is crucial that we prioritize human vision and ingenuity in game development. I had hoped Steam Next Fest would be a sanctuary for this ethos, but it appears I miscalculated.
For those seeking games imbued with human creativity, our curated list of classic titles awaits. And if you need a deeper understanding of AI’s potential risks, our exploration of the best space games has you covered time and again.
What are your thoughts on the rise of AI in gaming? Where do you think we should draw the line? Join the conversation in our community Discord server, where our staff and readers engage on all things gaming.