Article · AI translation
IT Home reported on November 3 that, according to foreign media outlet Road to VR, the classic online VR social game VRChat has recently drawn strong user dissatisfaction over its decision not to add dedicated labels to AI-generated content.
Earlier this month, VRChat surveyed users on whether AI-generated content on the platform should be labeled so users could filter out low-quality AI content. The survey gathered feedback from more than 21,000 users, about 95% of whom wanted VRChat to add labels for AI-generated content to make it easier to identify and block.
Despite users' strong desire for the game to add labels for AI-generated content, VRChat ultimately issued a statement saying it “will not implement this change” because it believed the move “could do more harm than good.” It explained that while some creators might accurately label their work, others might present AI-generated or AI-assisted content as entirely human-made. The platform also worries that such labels could prompt users to investigate one another, with some trying to expose supposed AI content and even harassing creators who have not actually used AI tools, creating a vicious cycle the platform does not want to see.
As an alternative, VRChat pledged to prohibit the use of so-called “AI-generated misleading thumbnails” to promote virtual worlds. It also plans to add like and dislike functions for world content and allow users to submit feedback directly.
These measures by VRChat have drawn strong user dissatisfaction, which was quickly reflected in user reviews on Steam. As of IT Home's publication, VRChat's user reviews over the past 30 days had fallen to “Mostly Negative.” About 4,000 users had posted reviews, with only 30% positive, causing the game's overall rating to fall from “Mostly Positive” to “Mostly Negative.”
Road to VR noted that, for VRChat, creators themselves are an important part of the platform's culture and community identity. Many longtime users care not only about which avatars they use and what virtual worlds they build, but also about how those creations came to be.
Some users believe the spread of AI-generated content will diminish the value of these creative achievements. Compared with works generated directly, handmade content often takes more time and effort, and thus better reflects creators' dedication and sense of accomplishment. Communities formed around these works also make it easier for users to feel a genuine sense of belonging. For them, the connections people build through creating together are one of the main reasons VRChat attracts users, which is why VRChat's current stance on labeling AI-generated content has provoked strong dissatisfaction.