Epic Games forces developers of Marvel and Star Wars games to use AI at all stages of production - media

Tim Sweeney is not particularly concerned about how actively gamers and the internet are opposing the widespread adoption of AI.

Epic Games is transitioning the development of a new shooter based on Disney universes to an AI-first model, which involves the active use of generative artificial intelligence. According to Bloomberg, employees have been mandated to use AI, including for graphics creation, and the project's release has been delayed due to slow progress and staff shortages.

As reported by Bloomberg, the team developing the game has been instructed to switch to a production model based on artificial intelligence tools, including Anthropic's Claude models. According to internal requirements, developers must abandon further manual code writing, and artists are instructed to create graphic materials using full AI processes.

The game has not yet been officially unveiled. It is known to be a shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters, created as part of Epic Games' collaboration with Disney.

Epic Games confirmed its course towards accelerating development with AI.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has long been a proponent of generative AI. In particular, he criticized digital stores, including Steam, for requiring disclosure of information about the use of such technologies in games.

However, within the company itself, the new approach has caused a mixed reaction. According to Bloomberg, many employees working on the Disney project reacted to the suddenly announced AI usage rules with surprise and incomprehension.

It remains unclear what limitations Epic intends to set to control the quality of AI-generated content and correct artificial intelligence errors. The question of how the company intends to prevent low-quality AI materials from entering the final version of the game also remains open.

Initially, the shooter was planned for release in March 2027. However, according to Bloomberg, the project has faced delays due to insufficient development pace and staff shortages.

The situation is unfolding against the backdrop of large-scale staff reductions at Epic Games. Earlier in 2026, the company announced the layoff of approximately 1000 employees, explaining the decision, in part, by a decrease in player engagement in Fortnite and the need to cut costs. The company's financial position is also affected by the costs of ongoing antitrust proceedings.