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Battlefield 6 Reportedly Used Generative AI Without Steam Disclosure
A report indicates that Battlefield 6 utilized generative AI tools for development, including enhancing lip-sync and facial animations, without explicit disclosure on its Steam listing. This has sparked debate regarding Valve's rules on disclosing player-facing AI output versus internal development tools. The situation highlights a growing industry trend of AI integration and the challenges of transparency with players.
Battlefield 6 Reportedly Used Generative AI Without Steam Disclosure
A report indicates that Battlefield 6 utilized generative AI tools for development, including enhancing lip-sync and facial animations, without explicit disclosure on its Steam listing. This has sparked debate regarding Valve's rules on disclosing player-facing AI output versus internal development tools. The situation highlights a growing industry trend of AI integration and the challenges of transparency with players.
Half-Life 2 Writer Says Valve Is Quietly Testing Generative AI for Game Writing
Valve is exploring the use of generative AI in game development, with a small group of developers experimenting with the technology. Writer Erik Wolpaw stated that AI is currently not adept at creative writing but could potentially enhance dynamic NPC interactions in games. The company's approach is described as informal and exploratory, focusing on understanding the technology's capabilities rather than immediate integration.
Half-Life 2 Writer Says Valve Is Quietly Testing Generative AI for Game Writing
Valve is reportedly exploring the use of generative AI in game development, with veteran writer Erik Wolpaw confirming that a small group is experimenting with the technology. Wolpaw believes AI is currently not capable of creative writing but could potentially enhance dynamic NPC interactions in games. The company's approach is described as informal and exploratory, focusing on understanding the technology's possibilities rather than immediate integration.
Valve veteran slams Tim Sweeney and Epic Games for laying off 1000 people while making 'as much money as possible… and hey Tim, Gabe's better at that than you'
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek criticized Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney for recent layoffs of over 1000 employees, questioning the motivation for hard work at the company. Faliszek contrasted Epic's actions with Valve's approach to employee retention and rewards, suggesting that Epic's practices damage the industry's passion and care. Epic Games did not directly respond to Faliszek's remarks but pointed to a previous statement addressing the layoffs.
Steam's new "golden age" is special because so many genres are popping off at once, indie expert says: "It's almost like the player base was drinking and their inhibitions lowered"
Indie game advisor Chris Zukowski believes Steam is experiencing a "golden age" due to a simultaneous boom across multiple genres, including idle games, friendslop, horror, and Survivors-likes. This trend reduces the barrier to entry for developers and caters to PC gamers' appetite for new experiences, contrasting with the stricter console market. Zukowski emphasizes that while not a "gold rush," specific genres offer opportunities for developers willing to target them.
Bluey is bounding back to consoles and PC in Bluey’s Happy Snaps
Gameloft has announced Bluey's Happy Snaps, a new game for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Players will join Bluey and Bingo on adventures using a camera to capture favorite moments and create a scrapbook. The game is developed by Gameloft Brisbane and utilizes the Unreal Engine, with previous Bluey titles including Bluey: The Videogame and Bluey's Quest For The Gold Pen.
Manor Lords publisher announces Vaunted, a new strategy game from ex-StarCraft devs inspired by a classic PS3 tactics…
Hooded Horse, the publisher of Manor Lords, has announced Vaunted, a new strategy game from Lost Lake Games, a studio founded by former StarCraft and Guild Wars developers. The game, revealed during an Xbox Partner Preview, draws inspiration from the Valkyria Chronicles series but adopts a space western theme.
The Nex Playground is getting a price hike because of the memory crisis
Nex is raising the price of its Nex Playground console from $249 to $299 starting April 1, 2026, due to a global memory and storage component shortage exacerbated by AI infrastructure demand. CEO David Lee stated the company can no longer sustainably absorb the rising costs. Other companies like Valve and Nintendo are also facing pressures from the crisis, with potential impacts on their hardware pricing and supply.
"Oh hi Switch 2": Mewgenics port looks imminent as The Binding of Isaac co-creator shows off the new roguelike…
Mewgenics, a roguelike from co-creators of Super Meat Boy and The Binding of Isaac, appears to be heading to the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Co-creator Edmund McMillen shared videos of the game running on the Switch, sparking excitement for a potential console port. The game is currently available on Steam and is also popular on the Steam Deck.
Valve hit with a double legal blow over loot boxes | Invision Game Community
Valve is facing two simultaneous legal challenges regarding its use of loot boxes. A class-action lawsuit filed by consumers alleges that Valve operates an illegal gambling scheme through these in-game mechanics. Additionally, New York State authorities have initiated their own proceedings, also linking loot boxes to gambling practices. These cases could set precedents for the entire gaming industry.
Steam Client Beta bring fixes for the new Linux SteamRT3 Beta
Valve has released an update for the Steam Client Beta, addressing several bugs and improving the new Linux SteamRT3 Beta. This beta introduces a container system for Linux users, offering 64-bit support and fixes for game startup issues and client loops. The update also includes improvements for Remote Play streaming, including 7.1 surround sound support.
Valve Is Experimenting With GenAI To Help With Situational Dialogue, Half-Life 2 Writer Says
Valve is experimenting with generative AI for situational dialogue in games, according to writer Erik Wolpaw. While acknowledging AI's current limitations in creative writing, Wolpaw believes it could assist in generating character reactions based on in-game events. This exploration comes amid broader industry discussions and controversies surrounding AI in game development, including its use in art and potential impact on jobs.
Dota 2 Patch 7.41 Drops with Major Ability Draft Overhaul & Quality of Life Fixes
Valve has released Dota 2 Patch 7.41, introducing significant quality of life improvements and an overhaul to the Ability Draft mode. Key updates include overhead indicators for consumable items, a reordered Quick Buy system, and fixes for projectile limitations. The patch also deprecates support for GPUs not compatible with DirectX 11 and Shader Model 5, signaling future graphical advancements.
Proton Experimental brings fixes for Crimson Desert, Steam Overlay with EA games, Death Stranding 2
Valve has released a new update for Proton Experimental, enhancing compatibility for Windows games on Linux and SteamOS. This update includes fixes for Crimson Desert, improved Steam Overlay functionality with EA games, and specific improvements for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, including rendering and CPU usage issues. It also addresses regressions affecting Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and DLSS support in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection.
A huge new Dota 2 patch U-turns on one of Valve's biggest additions in years
Valve's Dota 2 has received a major update with patch 7.41, which removes the controversial Facets feature. The patch also introduces new items, hero abilities, and significant map alterations, marking a transformative change for the MOBA.
Journey of the Garden Rose Brings Fairy Tale Magic to Steam’s Retro Revival
Journey of the Garden Rose has launched on PC, offering a fairy tale-inspired 3D action-adventure experience reminiscent of PS1-era games. The indie title focuses on exploration and storytelling, drawing comparisons to classic titles like Spyro and Crash Bandicoot, and embracing a Brothers Grimm-esque narrative over sanitized Disney themes.
Half-Life 2 writer Erik Wolpaw says some people at Valve are looking at AI tools, but he's not "worried about AI taking over creative writing" anytime soon
Valve writer Erik Wolpaw stated that while a small group at Valve is exploring AI tools, he is not concerned about AI replacing creative writing in the near future. He believes current AI is still incapable of producing compelling storytelling and that its application in simulating character reactions in games is an area worth investigating.
Pretend you own an undelayed Steam Machine with this fine Steam Deck dock, now 33% off in the Amazon Spring Sale
Ugreen's 9-in-1 docking station for the Steam Deck is currently on sale for $40 in the Amazon US Spring Sale, marking its lowest price. This accessory allows users to connect their Steam Deck to a monitor or TV, effectively turning it into a makeshift Steam Machine or Linux PC, offering a more affordable alternative to Valve's official dock.
Imagine GTA with AI-generated characters "just going along with whatever insane thing you say," muses Valve writer, absent-mindedly spotlighting what terrifies me about genAI
Valve writer Erik Wolpaw is experimenting with generative AI, believing it has potential for creating more reactive NPCs in games like Grand Theft Auto and Left 4 Dead. While not currently a concerted effort by Valve, Wolpaw sees AI's strength in adjusting to player actions rather than creative writing. He notes that while expensive, AI could simulate characters reacting to player input in real-time, a significant challenge in game development.
