Both Ars Technica and Engadget report, citing Bloomberg, that Epic Games has adopted an "AI first" production plan for its Disney collaboration. Internal messages allegedly directed staff that "no more hand-written code" would be allowed and that all art for the project must be "generated with full AI workflows." The $1.5 billion partnership, announced in early 2024, was meant to produce a Marvel- and Star Wars-themed shooter.
The two outlets agree that the shift has delayed the game, but they offer slightly different specifics. Ars says the March 2027 target is now delayed indefinitely amid the AI shakeup and slower-than-expected development. Engadget frames the delay as a direct result of adopting the AI approach alias, and adds that some developers allegedly hoped the directive wasn't serious. Epic's spokesperson told Bloomberg the company is "embracing AI-accelerated development," while CEO Tim Sweeney wrote that the aim is to enable everyone to build "MORE and BETTER stuff" — a quote only Ars includes.
The sources also diverge on industry survey data. Ars cites a GDC survey finding 36% of game professionals use generative AI tools, mostly for research and brainstorming rather than code or asset creation. Engadget cites a separate GDC finding that 52% of developers consider gen AI bad for the business, up from 30% the previous year. Both paint a mixed reception, but they highlight different questions from the same broader research. What remains consistent is the Bloomberg report's core claim: Epic is betting its Disney project on AI-driven production, and that bet has already altered the release timeline.