Has AI ruined Steam Next Fest?
Creative Bloq
by Joe Foley February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Steam Next Fest 2026 is currently underway, offering players a massive selection of over 3,455 games in demo form. However, amidst this abundance, many gamers are struggling to find standout titles due to an overwhelming presence of AI-generated content, often referred to as "AI slop." This year, complaints about the difficulty of filtering out low-quality or generic AI-driven demos have surged on gaming forums. While Steam requires developers to disclose if their games use generative AI for assets like art or dialogue, there’s no built-in feature to filter these titles, leaving users frustrated in their search for genuine gems.
The issue has sparked a heated debate about the need for better curation tools. Gamers are calling for an AI tag system that would allow them to exclude games created with generative AI. Many argue that such a feature is essential for preserving the discovery of unique indie titles, which often get buried under the sheer volume of AI-generated content. Developers have also chimed in, with some expressing distaste for AI art in demos, as seen in comments from John 'Bucky' Buckley of Palworld, who called AI capsule art an immediate turnoff during his browsing.
For those interested in design and game discovery, this challenge highlights the importance of distinguishing between human creativity and AI-generated content. While AI can streamline development, its overuse risks overshadowing the soulful, handcrafted experiences that make indie games special.
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Originally published on Creative Bloq on 2/24/2026