Epic Games is significantly expanding its use of generative AI, applying the technology to key projects including Fortnite, Unreal Engine 6, and the Epic Games Launcher. The company views this AI integration as crucial for development speed and innovation, even as concerns about the technology persist.
Marcus Wassmer, executive vice president of development, confirmed that AI is being actively used to develop code and features for Unreal Engine. This extends to the ongoing development within Fortnite, the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), and the upcoming Unreal Engine 6. Wassmer stated that Epic's engineers are now guiding AI tools rather than writing the majority of the code themselves. This approach, which Epic refers to as "vibe-coding," involves iterating with AI to achieve desired architectural outcomes while ensuring the engine remains within performance and scalability targets. Epic anticipates that this AI-assisted development will lead to faster updates and fewer bugs.
The company appears unfazed by the controversies surrounding generative AI, including concerns about job security, potential plagiarism, and environmental impact. Wassmer articulated Epic's stance, noting that the company is "more concerned about the risks of moving too slowly than we are about AI skepticism." He emphasized that a "halfway approach to AI in development" is not viable and that Epic intends to be transparent, share best practices, and leverage the most effective tools available.
This commitment to AI follows recent admissions from Epic about using AI, or "vibe-coding," to optimize the Epic Games Launcher for improved performance. Reports also suggest that developers working on a Disney and Marvel shooter were instructed to utilize generative AI for code and art production. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has also publicly engaged with Valve's AI disclosure policy on Steam, arguing that mandating such disclosures could be used against developers.