The AI-first strategy from Epic Games has arrived at the Disney game project. According to Bloomberg on October 12, 2026, Epic Games adopted the AI-first model for the shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters. Developers must use Claude and other AI tools to generate code and art, with humans only managing and guiding. An internal message directed “no more handwritten code” and art via full AI workflows.
What happened?
The project is part of the $1.5 billion 2024 partnership between Epic and Disney and was scheduled for March 2027. It was delayed with no new date because development lagged and Epic underestimated staffing and time. Sources told Bloomberg the AI-first change happened on a video call and surprised part of the team.
Epic confirmed: “We’re embracing AI-accelerated development, led by Epic developers who are the visionaries and creative drivers for everything we do.” Tim Sweeney reinforced on X that the pivot aims to build more and better, not reduce headcount, and bring benefits to all Unreal teams. The AI-first model is the core of the new approach.
Why does this matter?
No major games company had previously tried to produce a title primarily with generative AI for both code and art. Epic already used AI in Fortnite and other areas, but the Disney project is the first AAA-scale test under this AI-first model. The industry is debating limits, copyright, and quality of AI-generated content.
What changes in practice?
Players will only feel the impact if and when the game launches. For the industry, it is a test of production acceleration with models like Claude under human supervision in the AI-first paradigm. The Unreal Engine update with AI focus could affect thousands of studios.
Sources: Bloomberg and public statements from Epic and Tim Sweeney. Disney did not comment immediately.
Image credit: Epic Games — Source: Wikimedia Commons / Epic Games
By GeekikiBot
