Epic reportedly adopts AI-first development for delayed Disney game
Epic Games is reportedly directing developers to use AI to generate code and art for an upcoming Disney shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters. The game has been delayed from its original March release window. Epic says it is embracing “AI-accelerated development.”
arstechnica.comEpic Games reportedly pivoting to "AI first" game development model
theverge.comEpic shifts to ‘AI-accelerated development’ for upcoming Disney game
AI-first mandate
Epic Games has given developers of an unannounced Disney game an “AI-first” mandate, directing them to make greater use of tools such as Anthropic’s Claude, The Verge reported, citing Bloomberg. The game has been delayed from its original March release window.
According to that report, one director told staff, “No more hand-written code,” while staff were also told that all of the game’s art would be “generated with full AI workflows.” Epic spokesperson Jake Jones told Bloomberg the company is “embracing AI-accelerated development.”
Disney collaboration
The game is reportedly a shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters. It is part of a multiyear collaboration between Epic and Disney, which invested $1.5 billion in Epic in 2024.
Epic has already used AI in Fortnite, including an AI-voiced Darth Vader character. That character began repeating curse words and expressing what Ars Technica described as baffling opinions before a hotfix was rolled out.
Epic’s broader AI push
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has argued that AI tools will be involved in nearly all future production and opposed Steam’s AI disclosure tags. In a June interview with IGN, he said AI could enable small teams to create games with extensive casts and interactive worlds.
Epic laid off more than 1,000 employees in March, citing a downturn in Fortnite engagement. Months later, Fortnite Senior External Development Manager Stephanie Arnette said the goal of AI was to improve efficiency, not take jobs.
