Epic Games has released a preview of a completely redesigned version of its launcher, aiming to be faster and more responsive than its current iteration. The company announced the new version, which is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, using the phrase "vibe coded" in its official announcement, a term it applied to the development process.
This initiative follows a report suggesting Epic Games is imposing an "AI-first" production model on developers creating a new Disney shooter. The new launcher is intended to be quicker and place less demand on system resources when running in the background. It also promises an improved experience for discovering games and information, along with customization options.
Martin Keely, General Manager of Epic Games Store, stated in an interview that the launcher has been rebuilt from the ground up with a new technology stack. This includes a complete rewrite of the shell, encompassing the download manager and library, as well as the store architecture itself, affecting features like discover and product detail pages.
The company's push towards AI integration was highlighted by CEO Tim Sweeney, who recently stated that Epic is pursuing "maximum AI acceleration." This follows a period where the company laid off over 1,000 employees earlier in the year.