Starbound mod creator reports removal of AI-assisted mods and friend's ban
A Starbound mod creator, Solzucht, reported that all their AI-assisted mods were removed from the Steam Workshop, and a friend received a permanent upload ban without a clear reason. Solzucht alleges this action, carried out by the game's developer, was influenced by hostility towards AI-assisted content and questionable moderation practices, despite Steam Support confirming developer involvement but being unable to reverse the decision.
Starbound mod creator Solzucht reported that all their AI-assisted mods were removed from the Steam Workshop. Additionally, a friend of Solzucht received a permanent ban from uploading content to the Starbound Community Hub, issued by a Starbound developer, with an unreadable reason. Steam Support confirmed that the game's developer was responsible for the removals and ban but stated they could not reverse the decision, directing the creators back to the developer for clarification.
Solzucht described experiencing considerable hostility and personal insults regarding their use of AI in mod development prior to these moderation actions. They suspect this broader anti-AI sentiment may have influenced the decisions, though they cannot definitively prove a direct link or coordinated manipulation. A Starbound forum moderator, in a public response, defended the removal decision by Chucklefish (the game's developer), criticizing Solzucht's attitude towards AI opposition and satirical content. However, the moderator also stated they were unaware of any rules prohibiting AI-assisted content and admitted they did not have direct access to the actual removal decision. Accusations of impersonation and ban evasion were also raised against Solzucht's friend, which Solzucht disputes.
Solzucht is seeking clear rules, consistent enforcement, and understandable explanations for the removals and ban, emphasizing that they are not asking for special treatment but fair and transparent moderation.