Epic reportedly shifts game development toward AI-first workflows

Epic Games is reportedly preparing to move its development process toward an AI-first workflow, expanding on its existing push to add generative AI features to Unreal Engine and experiment with AI-created Fortnite characters. Bloomberg reported that insiders described a shift away from traditional production methods, with one staffer reportedly told there would be ‘no more handwritten code’ and that art would be ‘generated with full AI workflows.’

The first major project under the new approach is said to be an unannounced Disney shooter that had been delayed after originally being planned for a March 2027 launch. The game is expected to include characters from Marvel and Star Wars and will reportedly be produced largely using Anthropic’s Claude AI suite, with humans reviewing the work.

Epic communications director Jake Jones told Bloomberg that the company is embracing AI-accelerated development while keeping Epic developers as the creative leads. The move follows earlier tension around Epic’s AI plans, including Vampire Survivors developer Poncle pulling out of a Fortnite collaboration.