Steam Week in Review

Vapor World, a Soulslike Metroidvania game developed by Korean studio Alive In, has faced a significant backlash on Steam following its early access launch on August 19. The game, which boasts an evocative and painterly art style reminiscent of Lies of P and the narrative platformers of Playdead, had garnered 100,000 wishlists before its release, primarily due to a demo available since January 2025.

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However, the launch was marred by controversy surrounding the use of generative AI in the game’s cutscenes. Players expressed disappointment and frustration with the AI-generated content, which they felt compromised the game’s overall experience. The negative reviews poured in, with many players criticizing the decision to use AI, stating that it detracted from the game’s authenticity and artistry.

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The backlash has led to a significant drop in the game’s rating, with it currently sitting at 64 ‘mostly negative’ reviews on Steam. This outcome is particularly surprising, given the studio’s efforts to create a unique and engaging gaming experience. Alive In’s studio director, Young Kim, acknowledged the controversy, stating that the decision to use AI was a ‘hasty judgment’ and that the studio had not anticipated the level of backlash they would receive.

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The incident has raised questions about the use of AI in creative industries, particularly in game development. While AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing game experiences, it can also be a double-edged sword, potentially alienating players who value authenticity and human touch. The debate surrounding AI in game development is likely to continue, with many studios and developers weighing the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating AI into their creative processes.

Meanwhile, the top 10 games on Steam have seen little change, with Counter-Strike 2 retaining its top spot. However, the 11-20 range has seen some interesting developments, with Mortal Shell 2 debuting at number 12 and Wardogs pre-orders catapulting it to number 13. The game’s release is scheduled for September 11, and it is expected to factor heavily into the charts in the coming weeks.

The Steam deep cuts have also seen some exciting releases, including Vholume, a first-person parkour runner in the style of Mirror’s Edge, and Twisted Tower, a horror-tinged first-person shooter inspired by BioShock. These games showcase the diversity and creativity of the gaming community, with developers pushing the boundaries of what is possible in game development.

Steam Review of the Week

The Steam review of the week comes from user Skybob, who commented on The Lantern of the Laughless Saint: ‘If you Spam Punch the Dude in the start of the game you Can level your unarm to level 100.10/10 Broken just like Morrowind.’