Key facts
- Epic Games is adopting an "AI first" development strategy for its collaboration with Disney.
- AI models will generate all code and artwork for an upcoming shooter.
- Human developers will manage and guide AI-generated assets.
- The project has been delayed indefinitely due to the AI-related shift.
- Epic CEO Tim Sweeney stated the goal is to build more and better content with AI acceleration.
Epic Games is significantly altering its development approach for its collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, moving towards an "AI first" strategy where artificial intelligence will generate all code and artwork for an upcoming shooter. This pivot means human developers will primarily manage and guide the AI-generated assets, a departure from traditional coding and art creation methods.
The shift comes as the project, a Marvel- and Star Wars-themed shooter initially slated for a March 2027 release, has been delayed indefinitely. Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the project, that the move involves retooling developers to maximize AI acceleration. An Epic spokesperson stated, "We’re embracing AI-accelerated development, led by Epic developers who are the visionaries and creative drivers for everything we do."
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney echoed this sentiment on social media, emphasizing that the goal is not to reduce headcount but to enable employees to create "MORE and BETTER stuff" using AI. Sweeney has been a long-time proponent of AI in game development, previously suggesting that AI tools would become integral to nearly all future production and could enable smaller teams to create games with vast amounts of content and interactive worlds.
This strategic shift follows a period of significant changes at Epic, including the layoff of over 1,000 employees in March, attributed to a downturn in Fortnite engagement. At the time, Stephanie Arnette, Fortnite Senior External Development Manager, clarified that the aim of AI integration is to increase efficiency rather than replace jobs. The company has previously encountered minor issues with AI, such as an AI-voiced Darth Vader character in Fortnite repeating profanities before a fix was implemented.