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‘Yes, we are vibe-coding things’: Epic confirms it’s using AI tools to code Unreal Engine 6, Fortnite, and more
Epic Games has confirmed that it is using AI tools to write code for Unreal Engine, Fortnite and related projects. Executive vice-president Marcus Wassmer says engineers guide and refine the AI-generated code, while Epic argues that adopting the tools helps it deliver features and keep pace with development.
The tools include Claude Code and Codex. Epic says they helped eliminate long-standing non-deterministic cooking bugs, speed up shader compression work and rewrite much of its D3D12 rendering layer in about a week, compared with an estimate of three to six weeks for one engineer. Wassmer says most current development is happening in projects linked to Fortnite, Unreal Editor for Fortnite and Unreal Engine 6.
In short
- Epic confirms AI tools are helping write code for Unreal Engine and Fortnite.
- The company credits AI with faster work and fewer bugs.
- Engineers still guide the tools and review architectural results.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
AI coding tools could help Epic deliver features faster, tackle persistent bugs and complete complex engineering work in less time. With engineers guiding and refining the generated code, advocates may see them as a way to extend developers’ capabilities and keep major projects moving.
The case against
Using AI to write code for widely used products could raise concerns about reliability, maintainability and how thoroughly generated changes are reviewed, especially if faster delivery puts pressure on established quality checks. Critics may also question whether reported time savings account for later debugging and upkeep, and whether reliance on these tools could weaken developers’ skills or roles over time.
Explained simply
Epic Games is a company that makes video games and software used to build them. Fortnite is its best-known game, while Unreal Engine is a tool developers use to create games and other 3D experiences; Unreal Editor for Fortnite lets people make their own Fortnite experiences.
Writing code is one part of building and maintaining these products. AI coding tools can produce or change code from instructions, but developers still need to check that it works and fits the project. How much such tools can speed up development, and how they affect the work of engineers, are wider questions for the games industry.
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