Epic Games further doubles down on gen-AI tools for Fortnite, Unreal Engine 6 and more: “Our engineers are no longer writing the bulk of the code”
Epic Games says it is using generative AI to develop code and features for Fortnite, Unreal Engine and the forthcoming Unreal Engine 6. The move signals a broad commitment to AI-assisted development, despite concerns about its effects on jobs, copyright and the environment.
Executive vice-president Marcus Wassmer said engineers now guide AI tools that write most of the code, iterating to meet requirements for memory use, performance and scalability. He said Epic expects the tools to help deliver updates faster and with fewer bugs, and is more concerned about moving too slowly than about scepticism towards AI.
In short
- Epic is using AI across Fortnite and Unreal Engine development.
- Engineers guide tools that now write most of the code.
- The company says it prioritises the risk of moving too slowly.
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The case for
AI-assisted coding could help Epic deliver updates faster, reduce bugs and let engineers focus on design, review and complex technical problems. If developers remain responsible for checking the output and meeting standards for performance and reliability, the tools may improve productivity and help the company keep its games and engine competitive.
The case against
Relying on AI to write most of the code could weaken demand for some engineering work or change roles in ways that leave workers with less security and control. The practice also raises questions about the provenance of training data, the environmental cost of AI systems and whether faster development comes at the expense of code quality or accountability.
Explained simply
Epic Games is the company behind Fortnite, a widely played online game, and Unreal Engine, software used to build games and other interactive experiences. Unreal Engine 6 is its forthcoming version of that software.
Generative AI tools can produce code from instructions, which developers can then review and refine. Epic executive Marcus Wassmer says its engineers now use these tools to write much of the code, while guiding the work and checking that it meets technical needs.
The shift matters because AI could change how quickly games and software are made, and what work developers do. Its growing use has also prompted debate about jobs, copyright and the energy needed to run AI systems.