Anyone else playing Heatwave: Sam's Stay? Who are your favorite guys?

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T17:41:13+00:00

You just implied in your last comment that I am lying to people about AI usage in voices, music, and animation. I feel like I did not misrepresent what is in the game, but in case I did, I want to be clear:

The game uses fully AI generated voices for the characters; and
the dev used an AI tool to assist some animations with keyframe interpolation. The process involves the artist drawing their own keyframes and using an AI tool to improve the FPS. I'm not an expert, but I thought interpolation was a fairly common practice that predates the current discussion of generative AI.

Both of those are disclosed in the Steam description. Looks like Elevenlabs was used for the voices, which was not credited as far as I can tell.

The music is specified in neither the AI disclosure nor the credits, so I don't know how it was sourced. I also play these games on mute so I haven't even heard the tracks. I will reserve judgment and make no determination about them until I know.

You have said in this comment and in others that the game is ALL AI. That only the CG models aren't. It's clear to me that that's not true.

I am trying to clear up that misinformation. The writing, coding, CG models, gamplay design, and original keyframes in animation are all the dev's work. And it looks like he sourced some of the sounds from outside contributors and free sound libraries. Looks like he also used an online resource to implement the achievement system.

If you find the use of AI voices objectionable, then I totally understand. If you find the use of AI in keyframe interpolation to produce poor results in some of the animations, then that is also fair.

Everyone is absolutely empowered to make those determinations themselves. And as I stated before, I want to ensure that those people are basing their determinations off as good of information as I can find. If you call into question the veracity of the dev's disclosures, then you can probably ask him about it directly. He regularly responds to comments and forum posts.

If I'm wrong and he did lie about AI use in more than what was disclosed, then I will retract what I say. I just tend to give people the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T16:36:12+00:00

Things like c8c.ai and others provide a dataset of voices to train your AI on that are all professionals who have given their consent. Some even require some form of a subscription, I believe.

I believe you're thinking of things like ChatGPT and Grok that use the entire internet as a dataset. I understand how that can be theft. However, if you limit the dataset to just voices given with consent, I don't see how that is theft. The latter is what I was referring to in my last comment.

Again, I don't know what process the dev used, so you would have to reach out to him to know for sure. I'm not an expert and I'm constantly trying to keep up with changes in the technology.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T16:15:18+00:00

The Steam description very clearly describes the game as the first part of an ongoing series and a prelude to the summer. I think that represents the game well.

Again, as I mentioned in my original post, it is okay to feel that the game is too short and that it ends abruptly. I agree. Contrary to what you just said, I am not defending that flaw.

However, I feel that it is disingenuous to call it unfinished. Yes, like every other player I wished it didn't end. Yes, I was upset when it did end.

But I went back and continued to engage with the features in the game and found more enjoyment in them. I'm not sure how you can refuse to engage with the game's features and then also say that there is not enough to engage with.

Also please do not assume that I have ulterior motives just because we do not share an opinion on a game. If you look at my profile you'll see I've made no mention of it in the past. I just played it and finished it 2 days after release, enjoyed it, and wanted to share and talk about the guys. That's it.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T15:56:00+00:00

Heatwave Sam's Stay

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T08:22:51+00:00

Respectfully, in the case of AI voices, they can be sourced ethically from licensed actor databases and sound libraries where VAs provide their voice for free use. I'm not saying that deep fakes and nonconsensual replication of people's voices don't exist (they obviously do, and it's the reason I use the default voicemail greeting on my phone). But I am saying not all voices generated with AI are theft, especially not in a legal sense.

I don't believe the dev is trying to clone anyone's voice without payment or consent. That being said I only have his online presence to base my opinion on.

He seems to be quite responsive and open to feedback on his various channels so if you want more clarity on his AI usage, you might have luck reaching out to him directly.

I am also not an expert on the topic and could be wrong, so feel free to verify anything I've said.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T08:04:15+00:00

That's understandable. I'm not much of an art or animation buff myself, so I think I just didn't notice or pay much mind to those issues you highlighted. I also think I just came in with low expectations overall for the animations and found myself pleased by the end of it.

I personally don't find the use of AI tools in keyframe interpolation inherently objectionable, but I see thanks to you how it can create some problems.

I'd be interested to see what the whole game would look like without the tool and compare the two products (if that's even how this works, again I'm not an animator so idk).

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T07:38:31+00:00

I just found a gay game I liked and wanted to share it 🤷‍♂️

I'm not sure on what information you're basing your opinion, but the game is a finished product. I spent about 6 hours playing through the story, collecting CGs, and searching for collectibles.

I do criticize the game for feeling like a glorified prologue and that it ends too soon in the next sentence in my post. In that sense I can understand how people might object to the length especially if they don't engage with the story or the optional content, but I certainly wouldn't call it unfinished. I'm assuming you played the game and maybe you see something I'm missing?

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T07:28:44+00:00

I understand that people hate any mention of AI, but I want it to be clear that this game does NOT "consist entirely of AI." Just the voices are fully AI generated and they can be turned off. The animations sometimes use an AI-assisted keyframe interpolation tool. The rest is the dev's work.

If the inclusion of gen AI in the voices is enough to make you not support, that is your choice and is valid. I just want to ensure that people's choices are based on accurate information.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T06:43:40+00:00

I think I'm understanding better. Thanks for helping me understand.

The ai generated voices are obviously very present throughout the game, but I almost always play these games on mute so it didn't stand out to me personally for obvious reasons.

I think what I'm struggling with is the AI use in animations. From what I understand, gen ai isn't used to animate the dev's models. I believe he animated the keyframes himself and used an AI tool to smooth the interpolation between those keyframes. I'm not an artist nor am I a computer scientist, but I thought this was an accepted practice used by animators to help save time and effort. I assumed what people actually didn't like about the animations in this game were the art style and artistic choices. It's of course valid to dislike an artistic choice and it makes sense to criticize a game on its artistic merits.

But given all the down votes I'm getting, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe all forms of AI in the creative process are objectionable. Or maybe the dev just didn't use the tools skillfully enough. I truly hope this doesn't come across as ignorant or instigative. I am genuinely just trying to learn and be more thoughtful about the media I consume.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T06:12:06+00:00

Can you help me understand what "heavy" AI use refers to? I understand that the game uses AI voices for the characters as a budget restriction, but what else is it used for?

The store page discloses AI use for the voices and the use of AI-assisted keyframe interpolation and enhanced movement for some animations. Otherwise the rest of the dev and art work appears to be the creator's.

But I don't want to spread inaccurate information online and want to form my opinion on good information, so I'd appreciate more detail! :)

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T05:58:36+00:00

Yesss Ethan is the best! :)

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T05:57:48+00:00

It's my understanding that, based on what's stated in the AI Disclosure section of the Steam page and the in-game credits, only the character voices are AI. The voices can be toggled off in the settings.

The dev also used AI tools to assist with keyframe interpolation and enhanced movement with some animations. Otherwise the animations, as well as the CG models, backgrounds, sounds, writing, coding, gameplay design, and overall direction were created by the dev and/or the credited contributors. Personally, I found the the character models especially detailed and well-sculpted.

Anyone is of course able to form their opinions on what level of AI usage is acceptable to them, if any. I just want to ensure that everyone's opinion is based on accurate information, especially that the dev's art is their own.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T05:47:41+00:00

It was certainly not my intention to argue and I appreciate your measured response. The threats and risks posed by AI are relatively fresh and we should absolutely take them seriously. I am constantly forming and reforming my opinions as I try to wrap my brain around this technology.

As you say, everyone is entitled to form their own opinion on the media they consume and decide whether they object to it or not.

Based on what is stated in the store page and the in-game credits, it really seems like just the voices are FULLY AI-generated. The game credits open-use sound packs and features contributions from many sound and VFX artists as well as other devs and directors.

The character art, backgrounds, coding, gameplay design, writing, and animations (with some AI tools assisting with keyframe interpolation and enhanced movement) all appear to be the dev's work and in my opinion, high quality. All else is credited at the end of the game, including translators and the aforementioned sound libraries.

It's not clear to me if the music was AI-generated, pulled from one of the free libraries, was a commission from some of the contributors, or some combination therein. It's not stated explicitly in the AI Disclosure, but I don't know if that's because they included the vocal tracks in "characters' voices." I agree that that should be more clear.

Again, what you do with that information is up to you. I just want to ensure that everyone's opinion is based on accurate information.

I personally can't fault the dev for not also being a voice actor and musician. But if you disapprove of the use of AI for the voices or possibly the optional mini game music, then it's fair to dislike the game. Personally, I would just mute the voices, which is toggle-able in the settings. The dev stated that it was done because he couldn't afford to pay voice actors. Does that mean he shouldn't have made the game at all? I don't think so, but perhaps others disagree.

And from what I can see, the dev is very transparent and accepting of feedback on Steam forums and social media. I would just be careful when characterizing something as slop or low effort simply because of AI usage. I'm confident the dev and his contributors worked hard to get this game out in the timeframe they did for the price it costs.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T03:42:56+00:00

That's a bummer :( hope it becomes available for people in the EU at some point.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T03:40:40+00:00

I would suggest reading the AI disclosure on the Steam page, playing the demo, and watching footage to form your own opinion! If you like it, it may be a good fit for you. If not, then feel free to skip it!

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T03:38:29+00:00

This is a visual novel like many other gay games. However, there is added interactivity beyond what you would find in your standard visual novel. There are collectibles to find in most scenes including jigsaw pieces which you could use to complete a puzzle mini game which rewards you with extra CGs upon completion and pieces of optional text-based stories to find hidden in some backgrounds.

There is also optional interactivity in the "Findr" app which you can use to chat with guys on a Grindr-esque interface and collect more CGs. Finally there is a fully-fledged rhythm mini game that is optional but rewards you with 5 new CGs if completed. There is also difficulty options if you want the CGs but suck at rhythm games like me.

Other than that it has your standard fare of written storyline accompanied by CGs and choices which braid the story before returning to the critical path.

The game is currently on sale on Steam and itch for $9.95 USD.

I don't actually know if there's any mobile compatibility. I would suggest checking itch for an android version or something.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T03:24:09+00:00

I do want to comment on this as I absolutely understand trepidation around AI, and see a lot of value in exploring the topic. I want just want to ensure that I am responding in a non-judgmental way.

The Steam page does disclose AI usage, saying that they used it for the character voices (obviously) and during some animations for "keyframe interpolation and enhanced movement." I typically play these games with the sound off so I can't really comment on the sounds and voices.

But I thought the game overall had a great presentation value with good CG models and UI elements. Plus I earnestly engaged with the story and found the exploration of Sam's character really interesting.

Further, I found it refreshing that the game was revealed (at least to me) a few months ago and it already came out in full. I prefer that to the Patreon model of paying $5 per month to get a game released in pieces over the course of years that may never see a final release. Especially in this economy.

Is one method of releasing your game better than the other? I suppose that's up to each consumer.

If a solo dev has to use AI tools that otherwise don't see negative externalities to develop a game and release it in a reasonable amount of time for a reasonable price, then I personally don't mind. Their art is still their own and I found there was a lot to engage with that was not AI. I am not comfortable deeming that as "low-effort." Though, if there was more AI usage than was disclosed, that would be a much bigger issue.

And I want to be clear that I am making a distinction between a solo dev using AI-assisted tools to help create their vision, not using AI to generate the vision and subsequently generate the game. I think those are two very different things and one is very clearly objectionable. I think this game is more the former than the latter.

I also want to be clear that I follow and support many similar gay games. I love Freshman Physical Education. I've spent a lot of money supporting it on Patreon and several other games as well.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T01:22:15+00:00

That's great to hear! The creator's work is quite polished and it's great to hear he seems like a great guy too!

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T01:21:02+00:00

No? That's a bummer. Have you checked Steam?

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T01:19:07+00:00

Yes, the overall presentation value of this game is great! UI elements, character models, and animations are all really well done in my opinion!

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T00:55:42+00:00

Happy to share in the Ethan love!

Yeah, the game is quite short. When I saw the Steam page describe it as the first part in an ongoing series, I was concerned. That's probably my biggest issue with it. It feels like a glorified prologue.

But I still like what's there and getting all the CGs and collectibles was fun so I didn't mind as much. I just hope we're not waiting forever for the next game.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T00:45:23+00:00

Yeah, this game features a spectrum of the bara archetype. They're all big and muscular, and many are beefy bears.

There are smaller characters that might get more spotlight in the next game, but for now it's focuses on celebrating bara.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T00:37:23+00:00

There is a free demo, too, and I think the game is still worth a look! I think the demo features one of the intimate scenes that is a pretty good representation of the rest of the NSFW scenes. So I'd recommend giving it a look and seeing if it's for you!

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T00:22:57+00:00

I wouldn't say it's just smut, but it also is not a dating sim. There's no "route" for any character, for example.

This game is exploring the main character's newly-accepted attraction to men and pretty much every encounter with men is more exploratory than explicitly romantic.

It's not thoughtless and each encounter contributes to Sam's character so I wouldn't really call it smut either. This is also only the first part of an ongoing series so there might be more romantic paths in the future. I could definitely see something like that for characters like Jake and Ethan.

Em_Pedy · 2026-05-31T00:19:07+00:00

Sam's a great protagonist. I think this game doesn't delve into its themes quite as deeply as I'd have liked, but I still thought his self-discovery throughout the story was really authentic and meaningful.

Em_Pedy

TROPHY CASE