Easy Fox Takes Loan to Keep AI Driving Demo Running

Easy Fox, the four-person studio behind Teach My Little Sister How To Drive, took out a bank loan after rising player numbers made its free Steam demo cost more than $1,000 per day in AI services, according to updates from the developers and reports from Tom's Hardware and Automaton.

The driving simulator demo, released in February 2026, uses generative AI services to create real-time conversations with a virtual younger sister who responds to voice instructions while driving. Player numbers increased more than twentyfold in one month, according to Easy Fox.

Tom's Hardware reported that SteamDB data showed the demo reached a peak of 431 concurrent players on Oct. 1, after previously averaging fewer than 10 players until late August. Earlier reports incorrectly cited a much higher figure from Steam Charts data.

Easy Fox said the demo relies on external AI services, including Google Gemini and ChatGPT, rather than fully local processing. The increased usage raised token expenses and created performance issues when the game reached service limits.

"For the paid release, we plan to account for expected AI usage in the game’s price. Players will not be charged separately for their individual AI token usage after purchasing the game," said Easy Fox developers.

The studio said it is considering local AI models as an alternative or additional option for future versions. It is also evaluating pricing changes so AI operating costs can be included after the full release.

"This isn’t because each player is particularly expensive to support. The total cost has increased because so many people are playing, and we have taken out a bank loan to help keep the demo running," said Easy Fox developers.

Easy Fox has not removed the free demo from Steam, but the team said financial pressure could affect how long it remains available before the full release.

"We want to continue operating the demo and would love for more people to enjoy it. However, we are a small team of four, and financial pressure may mean we have to close the demo earlier than expected before the full release. We have not made that decision at this time," said Easy Fox developers.

The studio continues testing options for reducing reliance on external AI services, including possible local models and other alternatives for players in regions with limited access to some AI platforms.

"We haven't made a decision yet," wrote Easy Fox developers.