Epic shifts to ‘AI-accelerated development’ for upcoming Disney game
Epic Games is shifting to an 'AI-first' development strategy for an upcoming Disney-themed shooter game. The mandate requires developers to utilize AI tools for code and art generation, moving away from traditional manual workflows.
Why it matters
This represents a significant industry shift toward generative AI in high-budget game production, raising questions about labor and creative processes.
Epic Games plans to use AI 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.
According to Bloomberg, one of the game’s directors said in a message to staff, “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.”
Epic Games and Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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