Epic AI MegaJam challenges developers to build a game in 4 days with AI
Could Tim Sweeney annoy gamers any more than he already has? Apparently the answer to that is yes — very much so.
Epic Games has launched an AI MegaJam, a four-day competition where developers can build a game using AI, with a $50,000 prize pool. The event, starting November 12, allows teams of up to five people to create games in Unreal Engine or Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), using any AI tools they prefer. Teams can compete from anywhere, though there will be local teams in San Francisco at Digital Jungle for two days. Epic promises daily livestreams and encourages developers to prototype new mechanics and art styles.
The main prizes are $7,500 for the best Unreal Engine and UEFN games, with second and third places winning $5,000 and $2,500 respectively. The best student project can win $7,500, with the same runner-up prizes. A team can also win an additional $5,000 as the best overall team. Standout entries can earn development continuation grants of up to $50,000.
However, the announcement has drawn negative reactions from gamers who view it as tone-deaf and disruptive to the gaming industry. Many fear that AI-generated games will flood the market, causing the game market to collapse. The launch of the AI MegaJam seems to have been influenced by a suggestion on X, where SYD Games Studio proposed the idea, which Epic CEO Tim Sweeney later embraced.
Written by urgent.news from TechRadar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
