Epic Games delays Disney game and tells developers to go "AI first" (www.gamesindustry.biz)

Epic Games has announced a delay for its highly anticipated shooter game in collaboration with Disney, featuring beloved characters from the Marvel and Star Wars universes. Originally set for a March release, the game’s development is now shifting towards an "AI first" production model, with developers instructed to utilize AI tools such as Anthropic's Claude for coding and art generation. This shift is significant as it marks a pioneering approach in the gaming industry, leading the way for AI-accelerated development, though it has raised eyebrows among the development team. The decision to move to an AI-centric approach comes amid challenges in meeting development timelines, with several sources indicating that the studio underestimated staffing needs. Internal communications revealed that hand-written code will no longer be utilized, and all art assets are set to leverage AI workflows. This bold strategy aligns with Epic's broader efforts to integrate AI across its divisions, a move that contrasts with the cautious stance of many in the industry, where over half of game developers express concerns about AI's impact. The partnership with Disney, supported by a substantial investment, underscores the significance of this project, which could redefine the creative processes in game development.