The developer of the Steam game Hardest plans to remove it from the platform by the end of the month, citing a new understanding that “AI is bad” and “AI is evil.”
In a Steam announcement, the developer explained that the game was created over several summer months with the help of AI, influenced by university environments where “all the tools are given for free.” The developer has since “realized the AI is not actually free, and it has a major effect on the economy and environment.” Furthermore, the developer expressed concern that some AI companies might use the game’s mere existence to secure more investment, which would not benefit individuals but instead “suck resources from the economy from hard working people.”
Although the developer stated they coded the game, it incorporated AI-generated assets, which the developer now views as “a disgrace to all game makers and players.” The pivotal moment for this change in perspective came from a new romantic partner, who “made me realize this,” prompting the decision to delete the game from Steam on January 30th.
“Hardest” was a relatively small game, holding a Mixed rating on Steam based on 33 reviews. Its removal is unlikely to be widely noticed. This particular scenario appears to be unprecedented.
The full impact of generative AI on the gaming industry remains largely unknown, with more developers incorporating it into their processes.
