Drunken Goddess Reflux Devs Cancel Steam Next Fest Demo Over AI Clone Concerns
The developers of *Drunken Goddess Reflux* have cancelled its planned Steam Next Fest demo, saying they are concerned it could help others create generative AI clones. The decision removes a chance for players to try the game during the event, while reflecting wider worries in the games industry about AI making it easier to copy new titles.
Alliance Arts and Who You also said they could not monitor whether gameplay footage and streams would comply with their publishing restrictions. The game, which has more than 25,000 Steam wishlists, is about surviving a night of drinking with an anime demon. Players can apply for closed test sessions through Who You’s Discord server; the full game is scheduled for release on 8 December.
- The developers withdrew the game’s Steam Next Fest demo.
- They cited AI clone concerns and limits on monitoring footage.
- Closed tests are available by application; release is set for 8 December.
New here? Start with this
Steam Next Fest is an online event where game studios offer demos so players can try upcoming releases. Drunken Goddess Reflux is a game by developer Who You, published by Alliance Arts, about surviving a night of drinking with an anime demon.
The studios say they cancelled the demo because they fear it could help people make generative AI copies of the game. They also said they could not monitor whether footage and livestreams followed their publishing restrictions. The decision reflects wider concerns in the games industry about AI tools being used to imitate new titles.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The developers can reasonably argue that a public demo would expose the game’s distinctive mechanics and presentation to automated analysis, making it easier to produce imitations before release. If they cannot reliably monitor streamed or recorded footage, cancelling the demo may be a prudent way to protect their creative work and retain control over how it is used.
The case against
Players and other developers can reasonably argue that a demo is an important way to discover a game, judge whether it suits them and build interest ahead of release. Withholding it also limits the audience’s access to the game, while the risk of AI imitation may be uncertain and could be addressed through narrower access or other safeguards.