Epic Games has launched a preview client for its revamped Epic Games Store launcher, boasting significant speed improvements over its previous version and a notable challenge to Steam's performance. The new client, available for Windows, Mac, and for the first time, Linux, aims to offer a faster user experience.
Epic claims the redesigned launcher halves startup time and achieves a 46% faster transition from a cold start to the store page compared to Steam, according to external vendor verification. PC Gamer observed the client in a demonstration and noted the speed improvements appeared substantial. The library view has also been redesigned, and it now supports the inclusion of shortcuts for games installed via other platforms like Steam.
The company has notably referred to the new client as "vibe coded," a term often associated with using AI to generate code. Epic Games Store GM Martin Keely confirmed that AI tools were instrumental in writing and reviewing new features from the ground up for the entirely new architecture of both the store and the launcher. "We started from scratch," Keely stated. "This is a completely new architecture for both the store and the launcher shell. So we did look at functionality that existed and said we want to replicate that, but not the code itself. So [AI] was a tool to write and review new features and new capabilities from the ground up in a different tech stack than what we had previously."
Epic's embrace of AI extends beyond the launcher. Recent reports indicate that an unannounced Star Wars and Marvel shooter in development at Epic is taking an "AI first" approach. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney commented on this pivot, stating the goal is not to reduce headcount but to empower employees to build more and better content with AI acceleration, extending these benefits to teams using Unreal Engine.
The "vibe coded" description of the new client appears to signal Epic's confidence and perhaps defiance in the face of public skepticism regarding AI development. Currently, the preview client is being distributed through word-of-mouth, with Epic treating it as a beta test to gather feedback. It can be downloaded from launcher.epicgames.com.
Alongside the launcher update, Epic announced progress on upgrading its Easy Anti-Cheat system to support Linux, which could enable Fortnite and other multiplayer titles to become accessible on the platform, addressing a long-standing issue for Linux gamers.