A Game Maker's Change of Heart: Why One Dev is Pulling Their AI Game

Developer Rakuel pulls Hardest due to ethical concerns

The Decision

• Game: Hardest (Roguelike Card Game)
• Release Date: June 2025
• Removal Date: January 30, 2026

Rakuel, the game's creator, decided to remove Hardest from Steam after realizing the broader impacts of using AI-generated content.

Initial Thoughts and Realization

• Initial Use of AI: Free and easily accessible tools for asset creation
• Realization: AI is not truly free; significant economic and environmental effects
• Concern: AI companies might use the game for investments, draining resources from hardworking people

Ethical Stand and Influence

• Coding: Rakuel coded the game themselves
• Future Plans: Creating a new game with real assets
• Ethical Belief: Keeping Hardest on Steam is unethical and a disgrace to game makers and players
• Influence: A person Rakuel has been dating for a month helped them see the real dangers of AI

Game Details

• Reviews: Mixed (54% positive on Steam)
• Gameplay: Rock-paper-scissors-style card game with unique features
• Features:
• Stop time
• Summon tsunamis
• Collect rare cards
• Code: Shared publicly on GitHub as a learning experience

Broader Questions

• Balance: How to balance convenience and ethics in game development?
• Costs: What are the real costs of using AI tools?

Conclusion

This story raises important questions for all game makers and players to consider.