Textual Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Usage in Modern Video Game Design : A Study of AI Disclosures on Steam in 2024

Sammanfattning

This thesis investigates how video game developers disclose their use of artificial intelligence on the Steam platform, focusing on games released in 2024 after the introduction of a new policy requiring AI disclosure. Based on a dataset of 584 games, the study combines distant reading through topic modeling with close reading of selected statements to examine how AI is used in development and how this usage is communicated to players. The main research question guiding this work is: How is AI used in video game development, based on AI disclosure statements on Steam in 2024? To support this, the study analyzes the most commonly disclosed areas of AI application and evaluates how clearly and transparently developers describe their use of AI. Topic modeling shows that AI is most frequently used for voice generation, visual assets, translation, and workflow support. However, the language used across disclosures is often inconsistent, especially in references to visual content. Close reading reveals variation in the length, clarity, and tone of disclosures, ranging from brief or vague statements to more detailed and ethically reflective explanations. While some developers express transparency and offer justifications for their choices, many disclosures lack depth and raise questions about how well AI use is being communicated. These findings point to broader challenges in disclosure practices and highlight the need for clearer standards and platform-level support. This research demonstrates how combining distant and close reading can provide a deeper understanding of language and communication patterns in digital contexts and contributes to ongoing discussions in Digital Humanities and AI ethics, particularly within the field of gaming.