Epic Just Forced Its Devs to Stop Writing Code

Summary

Epic Games is reportedly requiring “AI-first” development on a delayed, standalone extraction shooter bringing together Marvel and Star Wars. The game was initially expected this autumn, then moved to next March, and is now delayed indefinitely.

According to Bloomberg reporting based on current and former staff, the mandate includes using AI workflows for all art and writing no code by hand. Claude is reportedly the preferred coding tool. Epic says developers will lead the work and remain its creative drivers, guiding and managing AI-generated output.

Some developers reportedly welcomed the chance to experiment with AI, while others were surprised or skeptical about making its use compulsory. The video notes that AI-generated code may be easier to test against clear outcomes than AI-generated art, and that human involvement could matter for copyright protection.

The host argues that the project’s reported problems—including underestimated staffing and scheduling needs, slow or conflicting decisions, frequent pivots, and a lack of clear creative direction—may not be solved by AI. Faster production could help teams iterate, but it could also mean moving faster without addressing underlying issues.

The project is also presented as a test of Epic’s broader business strategy. If the company can demonstrate AI-first production on a high-profile game, it could use the experience and production data to shape and sell AI-focused tools in Unreal Engine 6. The host cautions that better tools alone do not guarantee a successful game.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has publicly described the shift as “maximum AI acceleration” and said Epic wants to help other developers adapt to AI. The host interprets this as an effort to establish Epic’s engine and tools as part of the industry’s AI-development infrastructure.

Presenters and Contributors

• Presenter: Bellular News host, not named in the subtitles
• Contributors and sources discussed: Jason Schreier, Luke Dicken, and Tim Sweeney