Epic shifts to ‘AI-accelerated development’ for upcoming Disney game

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, but Epic CEO Tim Sweeney tweeted: “We have a huge pivot underway here at Epic, moving developers around to retool for maximum AI acceleration. The aim isn’t to do the same stuff with fewer people, but to enable everyone here to build MORE and BETTER stuff, and to bring the benefits to all teams using Unreal.”

The upcoming game is reportedly a shooter featuring characters from Marvel and Star Wars. It’s 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, which has previously featured Disney characters like an AI Darth Vader. But it sounds like Epic may be aiming to have AI do most of the heavy lifting on its new Disney game.

AI game development tools have been popping up from other large companies, like Meta and Google, so Epic isn’t alone here. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has also pushed for Steam to drop its “made with AI” tag, arguing that “AI will be involved in nearly all future production.” Earlier this year, Epic laid off over 1,000 of its employees, following a “downturn” in engagement on Fortnite since 2025.

Update, October 13th: Added Sweeney’s tweet.