Epic Enforces AI for Disney Game, Release Delayed

Epic Games shifts an unannounced Disney project to "AI-accelerated" methods, from code to art. The title, described as a shooter combining Marvel and Star Wars, has been delayed beyond March, while Disney injected $1.5 billion into Epic in 2024.

Partnership with Disney, layoffs, and a pro-AI stance

The project is part of a multi-year collaboration between Epic and Disney, which includes a $1.5 billion investment from Disney in Epic in 2024. Earlier this year, Epic cut more than 1,000 jobs following a "slowdown" in engagement with Fortnite since 2025. CEO Tim Sweeney has also advocated for Steam to drop the "made with AI" label, arguing that AI will play a role in nearly all future productions. The publisher is already experimenting with these approaches in Fortnite, where AI is being utilized and Disney characters, such as an AI Darth Vader, have already been integrated. Other companies like Meta and Google are also working on AI-based game development tools.

Internal mandate: AI-generated code and art for the upcoming game

Teams have received an "AI-focused" mandate that calls for the use of tools like Claude from Anthropic to bring the project to completion. A director wrote to staff, "no more hand-written code," and all artistic content must be produced through fully AI-based workflows. Epic spokesperson Jake Jones states that the company is embracing "AI-accelerated" development. The unannounced game is described as a shooter featuring characters from Marvel and Star Wars.

Delayed timeline and communication blackout

The initially targeted release in March has now been postponed, with no new deadline communicated. Additionally, Epic Games and Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.