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Indie game website itch.io expands its AI disclosure filter as ‘AI slop’ continues to overwhelm Steam and other storefronts
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
itch.io has expanded its AI disclosure filters with a “No AI” option on its search page, allowing users to hide games that declare generative AI use. The change gives players more choice as the storefront and the wider games industry face a sharp increase in AI-made content.
Games using generative AI must disclose it, though itch.io does not require developers to explain how extensively they used the technology. The number of game pages created on the site each day has doubled in the past two months, while downloads and purchases have not kept pace. Itch.io has also removed a couple of terabytes of AI material under its policy against AI spam, amid a record number of demo submissions to Steam Next Fest.
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In short
- itch.io adds a “No AI” search filter.
- Daily game page creation has doubled in two months.
- The site has removed terabytes of AI material.
How this story developed
- 30 minutes ago Indie game storefront itch.io has expanded its search filters with a “No AI” option, letting users hide games that disclose generative AI use. The change gives players more control over what they see as storefronts face a growing volume of AI-made games.
- 37 minutes ago itch.io has expanded its AI disclosure filters with a “No AI” option on its search page, allowing users to hide games that declare generative AI use.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A “No AI” filter gives players a practical way to avoid generative AI content and helps them find games that better match their preferences. With submissions rising faster than downloads and purchases, clearer disclosure and filtering may also help storefronts manage discovery and discourage low-effort spam, while leaving developers free to disclose their use.
The case against
A broad “No AI” filter may treat very different uses of generative AI alike, from central content generation to limited assistance, especially when developers need not explain how extensively they used it. Hiding all disclosed games could reduce their visibility even when they are carefully made, and place the burden on individual developers to explain or defend tools they use as part of their creative process.
Explained simply
itch.io is an online shop and publishing platform where independent developers can sell or share games. Unlike larger storefronts, it hosts many small projects, and developers are responsible for describing how they made them.
Generative AI tools can produce text, images, music and other game content from prompts. itch.io requires developers to disclose when they use these tools, but does not ask how much of a game was made with AI. That makes the label a broad signal rather than a detailed account.
More games and demos are arriving on digital storefronts, making it harder for players to find projects they want to play. Platforms must also manage low-quality or repetitive uploads while giving developers ways to reach audiences.
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