ข้อมูลสำคัญ
Epic Games recently launched a new version of its store launcher, claiming it is faster than Steam due to a development process called "vibe coding." This method relies on AI to generate code from basic instructions. CEO Tim Sweeney previously announced a company-wide shift to prioritize AI, aiming to enable teams to create more content efficiently.
The update has drawn significant criticism, particularly because the company's announcement began with the phrase "programming is hard." This phrasing sparked backlash, especially following the layoff of 1,000 employees in March. Users on platforms like Reddit expressed distrust in the product, citing concerns over the use of AI in a competitive industry that frequently reduces its human workforce.
Technical performance remains inconsistent. While the launcher starts in 3.53 seconds compared to Steam's 6-second startup time, users report freezing, icon glitches, and input delays. Chet Faliszek, a former Valve developer, criticized the update for lacking community-focused features. He argued that while Epic focuses on corporate visibility, Valve prioritizes player engagement through reviews, achievements, and gifting.
Faliszek also noted the irony of Epic's marketing, which compared their platform to a "speedboat" while mocking Gabe Newell's yacht. He concluded that despite the speed improvements, the reliance on AI and the lack of fundamental features suggest Epic is moving further away from effectively competing with Steam.
