itch.io Enhances AI Disclosure Filters for Users
- itch.io has expanded AI disclosure filters, adding a “No AI” option on its search page.
- The platform has seen a doubling of game pages created daily over the past two months.
- Issues with file size and AI-generated spam have prompted stricter content policies.
Indie game storefront itch.io has enhanced its AI disclosure filters, improving the ability for users to differentiate between games developed with generative AI technology and those that are not. This update was announced via its official BlueSky account and introduces a “No AI” filter on its search page. By enabling this box, users can exclude games that include generative AI disclosures from their search results.
Games utilizing generative AI must display this disclosure to remain on the platform. This approach mirrors policies seen on similar platforms like Steam, though it lacks transparency regarding the extent to which AI was incorporated in game development.
Recent data from itch.io indicates that the daily creation of game pages has doubled over the last two months. However, there has not been a corresponding increase in downloads or purchases, with figures remaining stagnant according to a separate post on itch.io’s BlueSky account here.
The platform is also coping with issues related to file sizes, citing a terms of service policy against AI spam.itch.io noted that it had recently removed “a couple terabytes of AI slop” due to these concerns, as detailed in a post on their BlueSky account here.
This development occurs as the gaming industry faces an influx of AI-generated content. Last month’s Steam Next Fest reported unprecedented submissions of game demos, leading some developers to withdraw their demos to prevent potential copyright issues. Steam has underscored that it is ultimately the developers’ responsibility to protect their games from duplication.
Challenges associated with AI-generated content are unlikely to diminish soon. Although Claude creator Anthropic has implemented rules targeting unoriginal game clones, the availability of alternative AI tools permits ongoing creation of low-effort games. The filters expanded by itch.io may serve as a potential solution to combat these challenges.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
