The gaming industry has always pushed the boundaries of technological innovation, and the latest battleground is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into game development. The recent clash between gaming powerhouses Epic Games and Valve highlights the contrasting approaches to AI-generated content and the growing need for AI governance.
In a bold move, Epic Games has announced that it will welcome games featuring AI-generated art, text, or other elements on its digital storefront, the Epic Games Store. This stands in stark contrast to Valve’s recent decision to ban such content on its Steam platform. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Valve’s cautious stance and encouraged developers to embrace AI creativity by uploading their content to the Epic Games Store instead.
Sweeney argues that games blending human and machine creativity should be evaluated holistically under existing laws, rather than being rejected solely due to the involvement of AI. This disagreement between the two gaming giants has created a divided landscape for developers, who now face the dilemma of determining where to release their AI-driven creations.
Meanwhile, in the cryptocurrency space, Genesis Global Trading (GGT), a U.S.-focused spot crypto trading business, has announced the voluntary shut down of its over-the-counter trading platform. The decision was driven by business reasons, and all trades must be settled by September 21, with remaining accounts closed by the end of the month. GGT’s trading-focused wing, GGC International Limited, will continue to operate its spot and derivative trading services. This move comes after Genesis Global Trading narrowly escaped bankruptcy earlier this year.
In the realm of AI governance, a recent survey conducted by Axios, Generation Lab, and Syracuse University sheds light on the opinions of experts. The survey, which polled 215 computer science professors, found that a majority believe the United States should establish a new federal agency dedicated to AI governance. Thirty-seven percent of respondents favored the creation of a “Department of AI” government agency, while 22% believed a global organization or treaty should be responsible for regulating AI. Only 16% believed that Congress should regulate AI, while 10% had differing opinions, such as the White House or the private sector.
The survey also highlighted the opinions of experts on career paths. The majority advised young people to pursue careers in AI, engineering, and data science, while cautioning against careers in media and arts. This supports the growing consensus that AI will play a significant role across various industries, creating a demand for skilled professionals in these fields.
However, the survey revealed a divided perspective on control over AI. Experts differed on whether there is a point where humans may lose the capacity to regain control over AI systems. This question poses a significant challenge for future AI governance, as it raises ethical and safety concerns about the potential risks associated with the increasing autonomy of AI technologies.
As the gaming industry explores the potential of AI-generated content and blockchain technology continues to evolve, there is a pressing need for clear guidelines and governance to ensure responsible AI integration. The clash between Epic Games and Valve is just the tip of the iceberg, highlighting the need for industry-wide discussions and regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with accountability. The survey results further emphasize the importance of establishing an agency dedicated to AI governance, both in the United States and globally.
In this rapidly evolving landscape, it is crucial for developers, policymakers, and experts to collaborate on shaping the future of AI in gaming and beyond. With appropriate governance, AI has the potential to revolutionize the industry, offering unparalleled experiences to players while maintaining the necessary safeguards to mitigate potential risks.
