# Valve says devs can fight AI clones on Steam by not “relying on a single mechanic” easily copied

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/valve-says-devs-can-fight-ai-clones-on-steam-by-not-relying-on-a-single-mechanic-easily-copied/
- Published: 2026-10-28T17:40:29+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T03:11:15+00:00
- Original publisher: GamesRadar+
- Original article: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/valve-says-devs-can-fight-ai-clones-on-steam-by-not-relying-on-a-single-mechanic-that-someone-can-easily-copy-and-report-extortion-to-law-enforcement-while-youre-at-it/
- Topics: AI, Business, Companies, Entertainment, Gaming, Technology

## Key points

- Valve says distinctive, evolving games are harder to clone.
- Developers can report threats to Valve and consider contacting law enforcement.
- Giardino says AI copycat threats are new to his knowledge.

## Summary

Valve has advised Steam developers to make games with distinctive, evolving features and personality to deter AI-assisted copycats. The guidance follows reports that some developers received emails demanding payment in exchange for not releasing cloned versions of their games, a practice Valve says it wants to investigate but does not intend to police through platform rules alone.

At a Korean games event, Valve business team member Tom Giardino said this was the first time he had heard of AI users threatening developers with clones. He suggested developers contact Valve for help and consider law enforcement when threats become extortion. Giardino also noted that copying games predates generative AI, while distinguishing between games inspired by a popular mechanic, wholesale copying of assets and titles, and demands for protection money.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.