# Epic Games may use AI for code and art in delayed Disney shooter

Digest AI · Business & Funding · published 2026-10-12T20:07:42Z · updated 2026-10-13T15:12:59Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/epic-games-tells-employees-to-use-ai-to-get-disney-game-done

## Summary

Epic Games is reportedly shifting to an "AI-accelerated development" approach for an unannounced Disney game, which has been delayed from its original March release window. According to a Bloomberg report, developers received an "AI-first" mandate to use tools like Anthropic’s Claude to generate both code and art. A director allegedly told staff, "No more hand-written code," while all game art is to be generated via full AI workflows.

Epic Games spokesperson Jake Jones stated the company is "embracing AI-accelerated development," though Epic and Disney did not immediately respond to comment requests. The project is described as a shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters, part of a multiyear collaboration where Disney invested $1.5 billion in Epic in 2024. While Epic already uses AI in Fortnite, this marks a more intensive application for a new title.

This move aligns with broader industry trends, as companies like Meta and Google also develop AI game tools. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has previously argued that AI will be involved in nearly all future production. The shift comes after Epic laid off over 1,000 employees earlier this year due to a downturn in Fortnite engagement since 2025.

## Key points

- Epic Games reportedly mandates AI-first development for a delayed Disney shooter, using tools like Claude.
- Staff were told to stop writing code by hand and generate all art with full AI workflows.
- The game is part of a collaboration where Disney invested $1.5 billion in Epic in 2024.

## Why it matters

This signals a major shift in AAA game development toward AI-generated assets and code, potentially reducing labor costs and changing production timelines for large-scale titles.

## Sources

1. [Epic shifts to ‘AI-accelerated development’ for upcoming Disney game](https://theverge.com/games/1010097/epic-games-disney-project-ai-coding-art) (The Verge AI, 2026-10-13)
2. [Epic Games reportedly delays Disney shooter title so it can pivot to AI coding](https://tomshardware.com/video-games/pc-gaming/epic-games-reportedly-delays-disney-shooter-title-so-it-can-pivot-to-ai-coding-staff-allegedly-told-no-more-handwritten-code-with-art-generated-with-full-ai-workflows) (Tom's Hardware, 2026-10-13)
3. [Epic delays Disney game, tells developers to build it with AI](https://latimes.com/business/story/2026-10-13/epic-delays-disney-game-tells-developers-to-build-it-with-ai) (latimes.com, 2026-10-13)
4. [Epic Games reportedly pivoting to "AI first" game development model](https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2026/10/report-epic-games-goes-all-in-on-ai-for-disney-collaboration) (Ars Technica AI, 2026-10-12)
5. [Epic Games tells employees to use AI to get Disney game done](https://avclub.com/epic-games-disney-ai-delay) (avclub.com, 2026-10-12)

Part of the developing story: [Epic Games Accelerates AI Integration](https://digestai.news/thread/epic-games-tells-employees-to-use-ai-to-get-disney-game-done) (2 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Epic Games may use AI for code and art in delayed Disney shooter", 12 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/epic-games-tells-employees-to-use-ai-to-get-disney-game-done

---

Written by Digest AI's editorial model from the linked sources; the sources are the record. Headlines, digests and key points are written by Digest AI and may be quoted with a link to the story page. Linked articles belong to their publishers. Terms: https://digestai.news/terms#reuse
JSON: https://digestai.news/story/epic-games-tells-employees-to-use-ai-to-get-disney-game-done.json