Epic Games 转向 AI 优先游戏开发，始于未公布的迪士尼射击游戏

Epic Games has long been supportive of putting more generative AI into its game development processes, with the gaming giant previously revealing an ever-increasing number of generative AI features in Unreal Engine, as well as plans to create Fortnite characters with AI—which resulted in Vampire Survivors developer, Poncle, pulling out of a Fortnite collaboration with Epic Games. More recently, a report by Bloomberg's Jason Schreier claims that insiders at Epic Games say the studio will be transitioning to an AI-first game development workflow.

Reportedly, the staffer was told by a senior that there would be "no more handwritten code," and that all art would be "generated with full AI workflows." Epic's shift to AI-first coding and game art will start with an unannounced Disney shooter that was delayed but was originally planned for a March 2027 launch, according to the publication. The shooter is slated to feature characters from both Marvel and Star Wars franchises, and it will now be produced largely with Anthropic's Claude AI suite, with humans reviewing work. Jake Jones, communications director at Epic Games, told Bloomberg that "we're embracing AI-accelerated development, led by Epic developers who are the visionaries and creative drivers for everything we do."

The insiders reported that the announcement was met with skepticism and backlash by Epic Games developers. This leak comes after Epic Games laid off 1,000 workers following a downturn in Fortnite player retention and revenue. Epic Games is also apparently trying to claw market share away from Steam, with a recent job listing and update from Epic Games promising that the Epic Games Launcher would be coming to Linux "soon."