Drunken Goddess Reflux Devs Cancel Steam Next Fest Demo Over AI Clone Concerns

Drunken Goddess Reflux, an indie game where players survive a night of drinking with an anime demon, had planned a demo for Steam Next Fest starting October 19. The event allows players to try upcoming games for free and helps developers gain visibility. The game had already reached over 25,000 wishlists on Steam before the announcement.

Alliance Arts, the game's developer, canceled the demo just days before the event began. The studio cited two main concerns in a statement on X: difficulty enforcing publishing restrictions on gameplay footage and streams, and the risk of generative AI creating clones from the demo. The decision reflects broader industry concerns about AI's role in accelerating clone production.

The cancellation aims to protect Drunken Goddess Reflux from potential AI-driven competitors that could release copies before the original game launches. Developers fear that AI tools could allow competitors to quickly replicate and publish similar games, undermining the original's market position and success.

Players can still access the game early through closed test sessions on Who You's official Discord server by filling out an application form. The game is scheduled for official release on December 8, giving fans an alternative way to experience it before launch.