Epic Games boss Tim Sweeney doubles down on his critique of Steam's AI disclosures: "I just hate to see Valve confiscate ever more opportunity from small developers…"

1. Games
2. Steam

Epic Games boss Tim Sweeney doubles down on his critique of Steam's AI disclosures: "I just hate to see Valve confiscate ever more opportunity from small developers…" News By Anna Koselke published 28 November 2025

He argues the platform is "facilitating" review bombing

Comments (0) ()

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Epic Games)

After criticizing Valve for including "made with AI" disclosures on Steam game pages, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney is doubling down with a short explanation of why he's so opposed to the tags – they hurt "small developers," apparently.

Echoing the recent sentiment shared by Nexon, that people should just assume "every game company is now using AI" as the technology becomes more widespread, Sweeney spoke out against Valve's integration of AI disclosures on games' Steam listings. He argued the AI tag "makes no sense for game stores, where AI will be involved in nearly all future production" – but that's not where his take on the situation ended.

Sweeney followed up in response to accusations that his opinion "heavily implies that Epic is now using AI coding tools for the latest updates to Unreal Engine," explaining that they are "not true" at all. "I just hate to see Valve confiscate ever more opportunity from small developers by facilitating new categories, cancel campaigns, and review bombing," the CEO continues in his reply. "Steam used to just facilitate downloads."

You may like

• Opposing Steam's AI disclosures, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney says game stores should drop "the AI tag" because "it makes no sense" when "AI will be involved in nearly all future production"
• Epic Games and Fortnite's billionaire boss Tim Sweeney plays devil's advocate in the Arc Raiders AI debate, argues the tech could create "an even bigger opportunity" for actors
• "We would rather cut off our own arms": Indie devs react to Arc Raiders CEO saying people should assume everyone's using generative AI these days

Not true. I just hate to see Valve confiscate ever more opportunity from small developers by facilitating new categories cancel campaigns and review bombing. Steam used to just facilitate downloads. Then they foreclosed on payments, then price competition, then crypto, now AI.November 27, 2025

He concludes, "Then they foreclosed on payments, then price competition, then crypto, now AI." His thoughts aren't exactly surprising here, especially seeing as he recently chimed in on the Arc Raiders AI debate – the one concerning the new shooter's use of AI text-to-speech – arguing that the tech could actually somehow create "an even bigger opportunity" for voice actors. Expectedly, however, not everyone agrees.

The top comment made under Sweeney's follow-up proves as much. "'I just hate to see Valve putting consumers first,'" quips its writer. Another reads, "Asking to see the ingredients of a product is not confiscating opportunities, man. This self-righteous hyperbole is a bit much," while one underneath states, "Maybe it's not review bombing, maybe people just don't like AI-generated garbage? The existence of those negative reviews indicates the demand for said disclaimers."

I mean… they certainly do make a valid point there. Consumers are allowed to voice their own thoughts via reviews, and it doesn't necessarily mean it's "review bombing" – a solid chunk of the population is understandably still wary of AI.

Microsoft shares study of gamers that reckons a whopping 79% are "open to help from AI," but let's all stop to consider the sample size: 1,500 people

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. TOPICS Valve Epic Games CATEGORIES PC Gaming Platforms Anna KoselkeSocial Links NavigationStaff Writer

After spending years with her head in various fantastical realms' clouds, Anna studied English Literature and then Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, going on to specialize in narrative design and video game journalism as a writer. She has written for various publications since her postgraduate studies, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she's not frantically trying to form words into coherent sentences, she's probably daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every animal or she's spending a thousand (more) hours traversing the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3. If you spot her away from her PC, you'll always find Anna with a fantasy book, a handheld video game console of some sort, and a Tamagotchi or two on hand.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout Read more Opposing Steam's AI disclosures, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney says game stores should drop "the AI tag" because "it makes no sense" when "AI will be involved in nearly all future production"    Epic Games and Fortnite's billionaire boss Tim Sweeney plays devil's advocate in the Arc Raiders AI debate, argues the tech could create "an even bigger opportunity" for actors    "We would rather cut off our own arms": Indie devs react to Arc Raiders CEO saying people should assume everyone's using generative AI these days    Most gamers aren't actually bothered by gen AI in games, says former Square Enix exec: "Many studios I know" are relying on it, and art or voices like Arc Raiders' are "the tip of the spear"    Joining Valve's Gabe Newell at the altar of AI, Ubisoft CEO says the controversial tech will be "as big a revolution for our industry as the shift to 3D"    After Arc Raiders AI voice actor controversy, owner Nexon says people should just assume "every game company is now using AI"    Latest in Games Anticipation for GTA 6 isn't enough to overshadow Rockstar Games' alleged union-busting scandal as a Scottish councillor calls for political action    The Big Preview for Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era – Exclusive dev access and hands-on with the strategy RPG revival    Skyrim fan works his 9-5 job from within the RPG, battling bandits while tackling emails and facing dragons during PowerPoints: "Work from home became work from Whiterun"    Sega is delisting Yakuza 0 in favor of its divisive Director's Cut, risking locking PS4 and Xbox One users out of the RPG entirely    Embark's "very hot fix" for Arc Raiders' door exploit problem lives up to its name as players who dare try it combust into literal flames: "THIS is the way you deal with issues you can't fast-fix"    After telling fans not to "expect hundreds of hours of gameplay" and delaying their indie life sim, Paralives devs unveil new footage that leaves the community worried: "Oh boy"    Latest in News Epic Games boss Tim Sweeney doubles down on his critique of Steam's AI disclosures: "I just hate to see Valve confiscate ever more opportunity from small developers…"    Star Wars: Starfighter director Shawn Levy says he was "forced to come up with a new idea" for the film's third act and it's "so much better than the original idea would have been"    James Gunn debunks supposed new look at DC show Lanterns: "Nope. That's AI"    Avatar: Fire and Ash is tracking for a massive domestic opening, but below Way of Water    Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto redesigned Master Chief 9 times before perfecting the Xbox mascot: "It took forever, but I wasn't going to stop"    Millie Bobby Brown has ranked the Stranger Things seasons, and it might prove controversial    GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1. 1Escape from Tarkov review: "An extraction shooter that will make you truly miserable if you let it, but can offer dizzying highs you won't find elsewhere"
2. 2Fans think this is the best strategy board game ever made, and I have to admit that they've got a point
3. 3Constance review: "If Hollow Knight: Silksong seems too daunting, this wonderful paint powered adventure should do nicely"
4. 4This enthralling team board game is perfect for playing with family this Thanksgiving
5. 5Kirby Air Riders review: "This racer is also equal parts fighting game, minigame collection, and roguelike – and I'm shocked at how well that works"

1. 1Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery review: "Brings Knives Out back to its roots for a sequel that's almost on a par with the original"
2. 2Wicked: For Good review: "Builds to an incredibly cathartic conclusion, but isn't quite as captivating as Part 1"
3. 3The Running Man review: "Some fun action and Glen Powell's star power aren't enough to energize this disappointing Stephen King adaptation"
4. 4Predator: Badlands review: "Die-hard fans may be disappointed, but as a blockbuster action-adventure, Badlands kills it"
5. 5Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc review "Storytelling just as compelling as the chainsaws, devils, and visually excessive fight scenes"

1. 1Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 review: “Can the Duffer brothers stick the landing? It’s sure looking like they will”
2. 2Pluribus season 1 review: "Easily one of the year's best dramas"
3. 3The Witcher season 4 review: "The Henry Cavill-less fourth season is the best yet"
4. 4IT: Welcome to Derry review: "A supremely confident step back into the history of Stephen King's cursed town and killer clown"
5. 5Splinter Cell: Deathwatch review: "A pale imitation of the long-dormant stealth franchise"