Report: Epic Games wants game developers to use more AI

Does AI have a place in video game development?

Epic Games, developer of the likes of Fortnite and Infinity Blade, certainly thinks so. CEO Tim Sweeney took to X this week to confirm Epic is moving toward “maximum AI acceleration.” His comments came shortly after a report from Bloomberg saying the developer was delaying the release of an upcoming video game in collaboration with Walt Disney Co., asking developers to use AI tools to finish the game.

According to Bloomberg, the shooter game features characters from Disney’s Marvel and Star Wars franchises and had been slated for a March release, and Epic Games developers were reportedly told to use an “AI first” production model using tools like Anthropic’s Claude, which would then have human developers manage and guide from there.

“We’re embracing AI-accelerated development, led by Epic developers who are the visionaries and creative drivers for everything we do,” said Jake Jones, communications director at Epic Games, in a statement to Bloomberg News.

Disney invested $1.5 billion in Epic Games back in 2024 and embarked on a multigame partnership that was meant to kick off with this shooter game.

Customer perception: Video game players have a mixed perception when it comes to AI’s role in development. According to 2026 research from Bain & Company, 42% of players said they’re more comfortable with video games using AI than they were a year ago and 44% feel the same; fewer than one in seven players are less comfortable.

“Studios goals are to create the best possible games with available tools,” said Brandon Ross, partner and media and technology analyst at LightShed Ventures, in a statement to Revenue Brew. “AI gives developers the ability to create better experiences, cheaper and faster. Customers care about the finished product, not what goes into building it.”