Story perspectives

Epic Games Postpones Disney Shooter, Makes AI-First Mandatory

By Drooid · Oct 12, 2026, 9:58 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Epic Games postponed its Disney shooter and adopted an AI-first development model.
Developers must use AI tools such as Anthropic’s Claude for code and art, with staff oversight.
An internal director announced hand-written code will no longer be used.
Communications director Jake Jones said the company embraces AI-accelerated development led by its creators.
Sources attribute the project's lag to mis-judged staffing while Disney has not commented.

History

Historical Context

In July 2016 IBM launched Watson for Oncology, its first large-scale commercial AI product, building on the system that won Jeopardy! in 2011 and earned a $1 million prize. The move echoed broader AI adoption, later seen when Epic Games mandated Anthropic’s Claude for code and art, and culminated in IBM selling Watson Health to Francisco Partners in 2022.

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Story summary

Epic Games postponed its Disney shooter and adopted an AI-first development model.
Developers must use AI tools such as Anthropic’s Claude for code and art, with staff oversight.
An internal director announced hand-written code will no longer be used.
Communications director Jake Jones said the company embraces AI-accelerated development led by its creators.
Sources attribute the project's lag to mis-judged staffing while Disney has not commented.

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