Epic Games is shifting to an “AI first” development strategy for its high-profile collaboration with the Walt Disney Company. According to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the project, the Unreal Engine creator plans to let AI models write all the code and guide the artwork for an upcoming shooter title.
Automation and Project Delays
Internal employee messages indicate that human developers will now be tasked with managing and guiding assets generated by models such as Anthropic’s Claude. This pivot implies “no more hand-written code” and art assets “generated with full AI workflows,” marking a significant departure from traditional game development methods.
The $1.5 billion partnership between Epic and Disney, announced in early 2024, was originally scheduled to release a Marvel- and Star Wars-themed shooter in March 2027. However, that project has now been delayed indefinitely. The report links the delay to the AI-related shakeup and slower-than-expected development progress within understaffed teams.
Sweeney’s Vision for AI Acceleration
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney addressed the report on social media, stating that the aim is to enable developers to build “MORE and BETTER stuff” rather than simply reducing headcount. Sweeney has long been a proponent of AI, suggesting it will lead to games with “infinite dialogue” and allow small teams to create immense, interactive worlds.
This strategic shift follows a period of turbulence for Epic, which laid off over 1,000 employees in March citing a downturn in Fortnite engagement. The company also faced scrutiny last May when an AI-voiced Darth Vader in Fortnite began uttering curse words and nonsensical opinions, highlighting the potential risks of unmonitored generative tools.
