Epic Games Inc. has decided to delay the release of its joint video game project with Walt Disney Co. and has instructed the development team to adopt an “AI First” production model using artificial intelligence tools.
The shooter, featuring characters from the Marvel and Star Wars franchises, was originally scheduled for release in March, but has now been delayed indefinitely. The slowdown in development is reportedly due to Epic Games initially underestimating the amount of manpower and time required to create the project.
To complete the game, developers have been instructed to use generative AI tools, including Anthropic’s Claude language model. According to internal management messages:
- Code: The use of manually written code is being completely eliminated (“no more hand-written code”).
- Visuals: All artwork for the game is expected to be created using end-to-end AI production pipelines.
- Role of specialists: Human employees will remain responsible for directing, supervising, and managing the work performed by artificial intelligence.
Epic Games’ directive has reportedly caused concern and shock among employees. The development team has raised doubts about whether the initiative can succeed, expressed concerns about a potential decline in product quality, and questioned how AI-generated errors will be addressed.
Epic Games spokesperson Jake Jones said that the company fully supports accelerated AI-driven development, while emphasizing that developers themselves will remain the creative and visionary force behind the project.
The project is expected to become the first attempt by a major video game company to create a title predominantly using generative artificial intelligence. The shift toward AI comes after Disney invested $1.5 billion in Epic Games in 2024, while Epic itself was forced to cut 1,000 jobs in March amid slowing Fortnite sales.
As a reminder, Nintendo will continue to release physical editions of games despite the industry’s shift toward digital sales.