Key information
Epic Games has reportedly delayed the release of an upcoming shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters. Originally scheduled for March, the project currently lacks an internal launch date. According to reports from Bloomberg, the delay stems from a company directive requiring developers to prioritize artificial intelligence tools to finalize the game.
The project follows an "AI first" development model, utilizing tools like Anthropic’s Claude to accelerate production. Internal communications indicate a shift away from hand-written code, with plans for all art assets to be generated through comprehensive AI workflows. Human intervention is intended primarily for verifying the viability of AI-generated content.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has publicly defended the strategy, describing it as a way to empower creators. Sweeney argues that AI integration will drastically reduce the time between conceptualization and playtesting, which he believes is crucial for addressing recent AAA industry failures. He estimates efficiency gains ranging from 20% in technical areas to fivefold improvements in web development.
While Epic Games spokesperson Jake Jones stated that the company is adopting AI-accelerated development led by its creative visionaries, the shift has reportedly caused significant concern among staff. Meanwhile, progress on the Disney collaboration remains slower than anticipated, as Epic allegedly underestimated the necessary resources and time required for the project.
