AI-First Mandate
Epic Games plans to use artificial intelligence to generate code and art for an unannounced Disney game, which is now delayed from its original March release window, according to a report from Bloomberg. The project’s developers have been given an AI-first mandate directing them to use tools like Anthropic’s Claude more to finish the game.
Epic shifts to ‘AI-accelerated development’ for upcoming Disney game
Developers working on the unannounced shooter game were told to use AI tools like Anthropic’s Claude.
Workflow Changes
According to Bloomberg, one of the game’s directors said in a message to staff that there would be no more hand-written code. Staff were also told that all of the game’s art will be generated with full AI workflows. In a statement given to Bloomberg, Epic Games spokesperson Jake Jones said the company is embracing AI-accelerated development.
CEO's Vision
Epic and Disney did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but Epic CEO Tim Sweeney posted on social media that the company has a huge pivot underway to retool for maximum AI acceleration. The aim is to enable developers to build more and better content and bring the benefits to all teams using Unreal Engine.
Disney Collaboration
The upcoming game is reportedly a shooter featuring characters from Marvel and Star Wars. It is part of a multiyear collaboration between Epic and Disney, which also invested $1.5 billion in Epic in 2024. Epic already uses AI in Fortnite, but it appears the company is aiming to have AI handle most of the heavy lifting on its new Disney project.
Broader AI Adoption
AI game development tools have also emerged from other major technology companies such as Meta and Google. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has also advocated for Steam to remove its 'made with AI' tag, asserting that AI will be integral to nearly all future production.
Update, October 13th: Added Sweeney’s tweet.
