AI Takes Over Steam: Over 300 New Games and What It Means for Gamers

Last week was a wild ride on Steam with a staggering 338 new games hitting the platform, and a surprising 120 of them featuring disclosures about AI involvement. For those keeping tabs on the gaming scene, this trend is definitely worth discussing!

Among the new arrivals, one title that caught my eye is “Android Who Dreams of Stars.” This visual novel has that classic indie vibe, complete with sci-fi anime visuals and some moody music. The story revolves around an autonomous android named Eve Nova, who sparks a mix of intrigue and concern in a futuristic Tokyo where AI runs the show. Interestingly, this game is almost entirely crafted by AI – from the artwork to the dialogue! Created by JinCycle, the developers have been churning out games since 2020, making it clear that AI is the backbone of this project.

Then there’s “My Summer Love Memories,” another entry that uses generative AI for everything from video content to dialogue. It’s like a full-blown romance experience powered by artificial intelligence! And let’s not forget about “Kryonull,” which has AI-generated voices not just in the game but also on its store page. The developer, NovelkaGames, is pricing it at a hefty $100 (approx. Rs 28,000), leaving many to wonder if there’s a hidden agenda behind that price tag.

But this isn’t the first time we’ve seen AI games with eye-watering price tags. “Typical NPC,” released by SmogGames, is another visual novel that hit the $100 (approx. Rs 28,000) mark, boasting that all its visuals were also AI-generated. This trend seems to be catching on as SmogGames followed up with another title for the same price shortly after. And don’t forget KalendulaGames, which has joined the club with titles like “Velvet Emergency” and “Blood in the Ice,” each priced at $100 (approx. Rs 28,000) or more!

Now, it’s not all doom and gloom. While AI disclosures are rising, they don’t always mean the entire game is AI-generated. Many developers just use AI for minor elements like store page graphics. For example, the team behind “Underwater” clarified that they only use AI-generated images as references and not directly in the game itself. This raises questions about the necessity of such disclosures if they’re merely for reference.

In fact, according to Steam’s own guidelines, disclosures are meant for content consumed by players. Some developers have even taken to using the box defensively. For instance, the creators of “Kamilia” state that only a tiny fraction of their game uses AI, while another developer pointed out that AI was only used for logo creation, allowing them to focus on the gameplay.

What’s really fascinating is how many of these 120 games are utilizing generative AI for music and other assets. Initially, I thought most would be for simple translations, but it seems the trend is shifting towards using AI for creative aspects of gaming. This brings up some concerns about quality and the job market for human translators, but it’s a sign of how technology is reshaping the gaming landscape.

In other Steam news, the top sellers list for last week is out, showcasing some heavy hitters like “Counter-Strike 2” and “Forza Horizon 6.” The newly released “Gothic 1 Remake” is making waves, selling 500,000 copies in just its first week! It’s a franchise that holds a significant place in European gaming culture, although it might not have the same recognition in other regions.

As we dive deeper into this AI-driven era of gaming, it’s crucial to stay informed and critical. The rise of AI-generated games could very well change how we experience and interact with titles in the future. Stay tuned for more updates and discussions!

Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 280.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.