Itch.io removes AI content and adds "No AI" filter

The indie game hosting platform Itch.io has announced the removal of a significant amount of AI-generated content and the implementation of new tools to help users filter such content from their view.

Content Removal and Policies

Itch.io reported that it has "just deleted a couple terabytes of AI slop," according to reports from 80.lv and IGN. The platform clarified that this action was a crackdown on AI-generated spam rather than a blanket ban on all AI use. In a statement on social media, Itch.io noted it had begun removing thousands of AI games and other marketplace items, including asset packs, due to spam.

According to the platform's official quality guidelines, creators are asked to "ensure that your content brings something new and valuable to the community" and to ensure that if a project involves AI generation, "it's clearly stated in your project description and that it adds substantial value to the user experience."

Itch.io's terms and conditions state to "Avoid uploading excessive amounts of automatically generated or AI-generated content," and the platform treats such bulk uploads as spam.

New Search Filters

To assist users, Itch.io has introduced a "No AI" filter in its menu and search features. According to Engadget, applying this filter for games reduced the number of projects shown from more than 1.77 million to less than 425,000.

Shacknews reports that users can use the "No AI" filter to keep generative AI out of searches entirely, or they can choose filters for specific AI features such as art or sound.

Industry Comparisons

Different digital storefronts have taken varying approaches to generative AI:

• Valve (Steam): Steam has an AI disclosure policy for store pages, but according to IGN, Valve does not limit AI-focused developer access or block what some describe as "AI slop." Valve's Tom Giardino stated, "Rather than relying on a single mechanic that someone can easily copy, you need to keep growing your game by adding features, personality, and creativity that stem from your own perspective."
• Epic Games Store: The Epic Games Store has been described as being open to generative AI; Engadget notes that its recent launcher was described as "vibe coded."

Why it matters

The rise of generative AI has introduced challenges for indie developers, including the potential for games to be cloned after sharing progress online and the flooding of storefronts with low-effort content.

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Sources

• 80.lv: Itch.io Updates AI Content Policies & Adds "No AI" Filter
• engadget.com: Itch.io Adds A Filter For Games With Gen AI Disclosures
• ign.com: Indie Game Storefront Deletes a 'Couple of Terabytes of AI Slop'
• shacknews.com: Itch.io deletes 10 TBs of 'AI slop' & adds a generative AI filter | Shacknews

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.