Epic Games has unveiled a redesigned version of its PC storefront, the Epic Games Launcher, developed in part using generative artificial intelligence. The company stated in a blog post that the new launcher was "vibe coded" using AI, a term often used to describe AI-assisted code generation. This marks a significant integration of AI into the development of core platform infrastructure for the company.
According to Martin Keely, vice president and general manager of the Epic Games Store, AI was employed as a tool to enhance development efficiency. He explained that the technology allowed a small team to expedite the rewrite of the launcher's codebase, leading to a faster release across multiple platforms, including support for Windows and Mac, with a Linux version planned. Keely clarified that the AI's role focused on code efficiency and architecture, enabling quicker feature development, and did not extend to artwork or the overall design style, which was managed by Epic's design team.
This approach aligns with Epic's broader interest in AI-assisted development, as previously reported. Bloomberg has claimed that Epic has encouraged developers to utilize AI assistants like Claude, with some projects reportedly intended to be developed with minimal or no manually written code. Epic founder and CEO Tim Sweeney has also indicated a company-wide shift to retool for "maximum AI acceleration."
While the new launcher's visual and artistic elements were handled by human designers, Epic has previously been transparent about its use of generative AI for concept art and designs, particularly for Fortnite skins. Reports suggest that an upcoming Star Wars and Marvel crossover shooter from Epic is also slated to heavily utilize AI for its artistic assets.
The development of a new launcher has been on Epic's radar for some time, with previous statements emphasizing a goal for the application to feel "fast and snappy." The company continues to navigate the challenge of user adoption within the established PC gaming ecosystem, where many players have long-standing ties to platforms like Steam.