Epic Games reportedly delays Disney shooter title so it can pivot to AI coding
Developers working on an unnamed Disney shooter title for Epic Games were surprised when they were ordered to use as much AI as possible in their workflows.
Epic Games has reportedly delayed a shooter based on Disney's Marvel and Star Wars franchises, with its developers instructed to incorporate more AI into the production process. According to Bloomberg, the unnamed game was initially slated for release in March 2027, but the launch date has since been postponed to an unspecified time.
The company has also transitioned the project to an "AI first" production model. A game director informed staff that handwritten code would no longer be used and that the game's art would be generated through full AI workflows. Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, confirmed the change on X, stating that the company is undergoing a significant pivot to maximize AI acceleration.
Sweeney emphasized that the goal is not to reduce the workforce but to enable everyone to build more and better content using Unreal. AI is being embraced as a tool for handling repetitive tasks such as error detection and 3D model rigging. However, some developers were taken aback by the directive, while others humorously inquired about using AI to correct their own mistakes.
The announcement left some employees in disbelief and questioning the decision. The title was intended to be the first in a series of Disney IP games, with Disney investing $1.5 billion in Epic Games in 2024. However, progress has been hindered due to a shortage of personnel, leading Epic to rely on AI to expedite development. While AI has proven useful in creating complex games, there are concerns and pushback from some creators about its increasing presence in the industry. One notable gaming convention in the UK even banned AI-heavy games.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Hardware's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
