Gaming News
Epic Games Forces AI-First Development on Delayed Disney Shooter
Developing
Photo: Lisha Dunlap, Pexels All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 3 events, drawn from 2 sources.
“We’re embracing AI-accelerated development, led by Epic developers who are the visionaries and creative drivers for everything we do,”
via kotaku.com
Background
Epic Games is developing an unannounced extraction-style shooter featuring characters from Marvel and Star Wars. The project is a key component of Disney's $1.5 billion equity investment in Epic Games, announced in 2024, which aims to integrate franchises from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars into Epic's ecosystem. The game was originally slated for a March 2027 release, though earlier targets included November 2026.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has publicly supported generative AI, criticizing platforms like Steam for requiring developers to disclose AI usage. However, the company has faced internal resistance to AI integration. In 2026, Epic laid off 1,000 employees amid Fortnite's struggles and antitrust litigation costs.
The company has previously used AI for Fortnite concept art and dialogue prototyping, but this new directive marks a shift to AI as the primary creator for a flagship title.
The timeline
-
Bloomberg reported Epic mandates AI-first workflow for Disney shooter
According to a report by Bloomberg, Epic Games told developers on its upcoming Disney shooter to implement an "AI-first" production model using Anthropic's Claude AI models. The directive requires that all art be "generated with full AI workflows" and prohibits the use of "hand-written code." Developers reportedly responded with confusion and shock to the surprise policies.[1]
-
Epic Games confirmed embracing AI-accelerated development
Jake Jones, communications director at Epic Games, reportedly stated in a statement that the company is "embracing AI-accelerated development, led by Epic developers who are the visionaries and creative drivers for everything we do."[1]
-
Disney shooter delayed indefinitely due to progress and staffing issues
The upcoming shooter, which was supposed to release in March 2027, has been delayed indefinitely due to slow progress and understaffed teams. Internal reviews reportedly raised concerns about the originality of the game’s gameplay and mechanics. Epic has not announced a new launch date.[1]
Our read of the evidence
Mostly unverified. The story reports that Epic Games mandated an AI‑first workflow for its delayed Disney shooter, confirmed embracing AI‑accelerated development, and noted the shooter’s indefinite delay due to progress and staffing issues. Each of these points rests solely on reports, with no primary source confirmation or record of both sides speaking on the record, leaving the claims unverified pending further evidence.
Our rating counts evidence, not opinions about anyone: events confirmed by a primary source (the person's own post, their official site, a court or government record) weigh most, then how many independent outlets report the story.
Frequently asked
Is the Epic Games Disney shooter delayed?
Yes, the game has been delayed indefinitely. According to Bloomberg, the delay is due to slow progress and understaffed teams, and Epic has not announced a new release date.
What did Epic Games tell developers about AI?
According to Bloomberg, developers were told to implement an "AI-first" production model using Anthropic’s Claude AI models. The team is instructed not to use any more "hand-written code," and artists are pushed to use AI for all art.
Why was the Disney shooter delayed?
The delay is attributed to slow progress and understaffed teams, according to Bloomberg. Additionally, internal reviews reportedly raised concerns about the originality of the game’s gameplay and mechanics.
Did Epic Games confirm the AI mandate?
Jake Jones, communications director at Epic Games, stated that the company is "embracing AI-accelerated development." However, the specific details of the "AI-first" mandate and the ban on hand-written code were reported by Bloomberg.
What is the connection between Disney and Epic Games?
The shooter is a key product of Disney’s $1.5 billion equity investment in Epic Games, announced in 2024. The partnership is meant to pull in franchises from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
More related drama (4)
Sources (2)
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 3 dated events from 2 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Epic Games Forces AI-First Development on Delayed Disney Shooter.”
GenZHype, 12 October 2026,
https://genzhype.com/gaming/epic-games-forces-ai-first-development-on-delayed-disney-shooter/.