Epic Games Makes Delayed Disney Game an “AI-First” Project

Summary

Epic Games has delayed a Disney project featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters after reportedly underestimating the staff needed to produce it. The game had been scheduled for release in March, while Epic had laid off 1,000 employees earlier in the year following a reported decline in Fortnite engagement. The company has now told employees there will be “no more hand-written code” and that the game will be developed through “full AI workflows.” Employees were reportedly stunned by the announcement, which came after they continued working despite the layoffs. Epic confirmed the change to Bloomberg, describing it as AI-accelerated development led by Epic developers, who would remain responsible for the project’s creative direction. Disney did not comment on the report. The article also notes Disney’s previous interest in adding user-generated AI content to Disney+, although a separate deal involving Sora is no longer active.