I don’t consider the AI disclosure “optional,” even though I know Itch doesn’t require it. Whenever I release a game, I immediately fill out the AI disclosure form, both for the sake of transparency and the functionality of being indexed along with other AI-assisted games.
I’m aware that many players will simply “move on” from my games, due to having the AI-assisted label, and that’s fine. Chances are, they weren’t people who would play my games anyhow. I share the same philosophy as the late Kurt Cobain: “I’d rather be hated for who I am, then loved for who I am not.” That is why, at Orange Heart Creative, I make sure to disclose everything that is AI-generated in my projects.
That being said, I don’t think people should be so quick to balk at AI-assisted games/assets/art, etc. Some people do put a lot of work into these projects - myself included - and I feel they should at least be given the same chance as other games to prove that they can be fun and engaging. Yes, there will be some terrible projects but, every once in awhile, you might run across a gem of which you otherwise would’ve never known.
All I’m saying is give all games a chance. If it’s crap, move on. If it’s not, let the creators know, whether or not they use AI, that you appreciate their work by leaving comments/feedback, replies in the community, donations; however you see fit.