Epic Games Intensifies Commitment to Generative AI Across its Platforms
- Epic Games confirmed its expanded use of generative AI in Unreal Engine and Fortnite.
- Executive Marcus Wassmer noted that AI will aid in code development and feature iteration.
- CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Valve’s AI policy requiring developers to disclose AI usage.
Epic Games has officially announced its deepened focus on generative AI, planning to implement the technology extensively across its projects, including Fortnite and the upcoming Unreal Engine 6.
In an interview with This Week In Video Games, Marcus Wassmer, Executive Vice President of Development, confirmed the use of AI to develop code and features for Unreal Engine. Development efforts are currently concentrated on streams associated with Fortnite, Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), and Unreal Engine 6.
Wassmer described their approach to “vibe-coding,” explaining that engineers are guiding AI tools instead of writing the majority of the code themselves. He stated, “Yes, we are vibe-coding things,” indicating that this iterative process aims to deliver features that meet developers’ needs while maintaining the engine’s efficiency and scalability. He asserted that the integration of AI tools would streamline updates, reducing bugs in the process.
Despite various concerns related to job security among workers, potential plagiarism among developers, and environmental implications voiced by communities, Epic Games appears unperturbed by the backlash against its generative AI strategy. Wassmer stated, “We are more concerned about the risks of moving too slowly than we are about AI skepticism.”
He emphasized the importance of a straightforward approach to AI in development: “We don’t think it’s viable to take a halfway approach to AI in development,” and added that sharing best practices with other developers is essential for maximizing Unreal Engine 6’s capabilities.
Earlier this month, Epic revealed its use of vibe-coding in the new Epic Games Launcher to achieve improved performance over Steam. The company remarked, “Programming is hard,” leading to their decision to employ generative AI in the launcher’s development. Reports also surfaced that developers tasked with a Disney and Marvel shooter were encouraged to utilize generative AI for both coding and art production.
Amid these developments, CEO Tim Sweeney sparked a discussion regarding Valve’s AI policy, which mandates developers disclose their use of generative AI on Steam pages. Sweeney criticized this requirement, stating that “forcing developers to write a political statement to be used against them by the hate mod they’re helping organize is abhorrent,” reinforcing Epic’s determination to advance its AI initiatives.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
