Key points
- Epic Games is moving to a strategy where AI models write code and guide art for its Disney collaboration.
- The previously scheduled March 2027 release of the Marvel and Star Wars shooter is now delayed indefinitely.
- Internal messages indicate human developers will manage assets generated by tools like Anthropic’s Claude.
Epic Games is fundamentally changing how it builds software for its partnership with The Walt Disney Company. According to a Bloomberg report, the company is adopting an “AI first” development strategy. This shift means artificial intelligence models will write all the code and guide the creation of artwork for an upcoming shooter. Human developers will no longer write code by hand. Instead, their primary task will be managing and guiding the digital assets produced by these models.
By the numbers
- $1.5 billion is the value of the collaboration agreement between Epic Games and Disney announced in early 2024.
- March 2027 was the original target release date for the Marvel and Star Wars-themed shooter before the delay.
- Over 1,000 employees were laid off by Epic Games in March, citing a downturn in Fortnite engagement.
What the figures mean
The indefinite delay of the shooter project stems from this significant internal pivot and slower-than-expected development progress. Bloomberg’s report cites unnamed people familiar with the project who described the understaffed state of the team. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney wrote on social media that the company is moving developers around to retool for maximum AI acceleration. He stated the aim is not to do the same work with fewer people, but to enable teams to build more and better content.
An Epic spokesperson said in a statement that the company is embracing AI-accelerated development. They emphasized that Epic developers remain the visionaries and creative drivers for everything they do. Sweeney has long been bullish on AI’s role in game creation. In a June interview with IGN, he suggested AI could allow small teams to create games with immense interactive worlds and characters through simple setups.
What to watch
Sweeney previously criticized AI usage disclosure tags, such as those required by Valve’s Steam platform, saying they make no sense. He argued that AI tools will be involved in nearly all future production. This stance aligns with the current operational shift at Epic. However, the company has faced internal concerns about job security. Fortnite Senior External Development Manager Stephanie Arnette stated that AI taking all jobs is not the company’s goal, despite fears among staff.
What to do and how to stay safe: Epic Games
- Monitor official channels from game publishers for updates on release schedules, as development strategies can impact timelines.
- Review privacy settings for any beta testing programs, as AI-driven development may involve new data collection methods.
- Keep an eye on industry reports regarding workforce changes, as shifts to AI-first models often accompany staffing adjustments.
- Verify information from multiple sources when hearing about major corporate pivots, as initial reports may evolve.
Step-by-step guide: Detect Shadow AI: Network Logs, Process Trees and Hidden Signals
General security guidance from the Sandbox Gazette newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Disney shooter originally supposed to release?
The Marvel and Star Wars-themed shooter was originally slated to release in March 2027 according to the Bloomberg report.
What is the new development strategy at Epic Games?
Epic is shifting to an “AI first” strategy where AI models write code and guide art, with humans managing the output.
Why was the project delayed?
The project was delayed indefinitely due to the AI-related shakeup, understaffing, and slower-than-expected development progress.
