Epic shifts to ‘AI-accelerated development’ for upcoming Disney game

Developers working on the unannounced shooter game were told to use AI tools like Anthropic’s Claude.

Stevie Bonifield

Oct 13, 2026, 3:12 PM UTC

Illustration: Alex Castro / The Verge

Stevie Bonifield

is a news writer covering all things consumer tech. Stevie started out at Laptop Mag writing news and reviews on hardware, gaming, and AI.

Epic Games plans to use AI to generate code and art for an unannounced Disney game, which is now delayed from its original March release window, according to a report fromBloomberg. The project’s developers have been given an “AI-first” mandate directing them to use tools like Anthropic’s Claude more to finish the game.

According toBloomberg, one of the game’s directors said in a message to staff, “No more hand-written code.” Staff were also told that all of the game’s art will be “generated with full AI workflows.” In a statement given toBloomberg, Epic Games spokesperson Jake Jones said the company is “embracing AI-accelerated development.”

Epic Games and Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The upcoming game is reportedly a shooter featuring characters from Marvel andStar Wars. It’s part ofa multiyear collaborationbetween Epic and Disney, which also invested $1.5 billion in Epic in 2024. Epic alreadyuses AI inFortnite, which has previously featured Disney characters like anAI Darth Vader. But it sounds like Epic may be aiming to have AI do most of the heavy lifting on its new Disney game.

AI game development tools have been popping up from other large companies, likeMetaandGoogle, so Epic isn’t alone here. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has also pushed for Steam todrop its “made with AI” tag, arguing that “AI will be involved in nearly all future production.” Earlier this year, Epic laid offover 1,000 of its employees, followinga “downturn” in engagement onFortnitesince 2025.

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