Epic Games has instructed developers on an unannounced Disney shooter to use AI for code and artwork, while the game’s release window has slipped.
Epic Games is directing developers on an unannounced game made with Disney to use AI in producing both software code and artwork, The Verge reported on October 13, 2026, citing Bloomberg. The project, described in the reports as a shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters, has also moved beyond its original March release window; no replacement date was reported.
Bloomberg reported that a director told staff to stop writing code by hand and that the game’s art would be created through AI workflows. Epic spokesperson Jake Jones characterized the company’s approach to Bloomberg as “AI-accelerated development.” The Verge also reported that developers were encouraged to use Anthropic’s Claude. These details come from reporting and company comments, not a public announcement of the game’s full development plan.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said the company is shifting developers to increase the use of AI, with the stated aim of helping teams make more and better products and extending those benefits to Unreal Engine users. His comments offer the company’s rationale, but the reports do not establish how much of the game will ultimately be generated by AI or how the tools will affect individual roles on the team.
The project sits within Epic’s multiyear collaboration with Disney. Disney invested $1.5 billion in Epic in 2024, and the companies have previously brought Disney characters into Fortnite. Epic has also used AI features in Fortnite, including an AI version of Darth Vader, according to The Verge.
The shift arrives amid wider changes at Epic: the publication reported that the company laid off more than 1,000 employees earlier in 2026 after Fortnite engagement had declined since 2025. The available reporting does not link those layoffs directly to the AI mandate. Epic and Disney had not immediately responded to The Verge’s requests for comment.