Epic Games is reportedly delaying a project to incorporate more artificial intelligence in its development.
Bloomberg News first reported that the company’s collaboration with Disney on a new Star Wars video game is being pushed back to prioritize an “AI first” production plan using AI tools such as Claude. The developers would then hand-edit anything that needs editing.
In response to the announcement, the developers reportedly said they hoped that the company would undo their latest guidelines.
As of now, no hand-written code will be used to make the new game. It was originally set for release in March, but the release date is now yet to be determined. This marks the first time a video game company has requested that its products be made primarily using AI.
In a statement shared with Bloomberg, Epic communications director Jake Jones said that they will be “embracing AI-accelerated development, led by Epic developers who are the visionaries and creative drivers for everything we do.”
For video gaming companies, incorporating AI early in game design could generate up to $22 billion in profit by fast-tracking timelines and lowering overall development costs, according to Morgan Stanley.
For developers, however, introducing AI can create issues. Namely, it could take away opportunities for entry-level developers, as AI could replace many of the game development jobs that are lost.
Overall, 52% of developers think incorporating generative AI is harmful to the gaming industry, showing increased wariness toward the newest technology.
Despite hesitancy about the role AI will play in the future of game development, developers have already begun integrating it into their workflow. A 2025 Google Cloud survey found that 87% of developers have already begun using AI agents to streamline tasks through automation. Overall, over 50% of gaming companies use AI in their products.
However, as more AI is incorporated, a report from Game Oracle found that game reviews decreased by about 53%.
Still, with the increased adoption, the market for AI in gaming is expected to grow to over $51 billion in the next seven years, up significantly from $3.28 billion in 2024.
The latest guidelines set by Epic Games mark another step in that trend.
Disney has yet to comment on the delay.
