Epic Games shifts to AI first model for upcoming Disney shooter

Epic Games is transitioning to an artificial intelligence first development model for an unannounced video game collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, according to reports by Ars Technica, PC Gamer Hardware, TechPowerUp, and Quartz. The upcoming project is a delayed shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters. Unnamed sources familiar with the matter stated that the decision marks a significant internal shift at the studio. [1][2][3][4][5][7]

Under the new development strategy, human developers will manage and guide code and art assets created by artificial intelligence models such as Anthropic's Claude. Internal company messages indicated that the project will feature no more hand-written code, while artwork will be generated using full artificial intelligence workflows, Ars Technica and PC Gamer Hardware reported. [1][2]

The chief executive officer of Epic Games stated that the goal of the studio is to survive the artificial intelligence revolution, PC Gamer Hardware reported. TechPowerUp noted that Epic Games has previously introduced generative artificial intelligence features into its Unreal Engine software and outlined plans to create Fortnite characters using the technology. [2][3]

Epic Games is an American video game developer based in Cary, North Carolina, that was founded by Tim Sweeney in 1991. The company is known for its Unreal Engine software, which powers various high-profile titles, and for its live-service game Fortnite. [8][9]