Epic Games Launches Faster, Linux-Compatible “Vibe-Coded” Launcher

Epic Games announced a preview of a new Epic Games Launcher that it describes as “way faster,” featuring a redesigned interface and native support for Linux alongside Windows and mac-OS. The company says the update replicates core functionality from the existing launcher while delivering higher responsiveness. The older version will remain available, and Epic plans a full rollout once the new client reaches “stable” parity across all platforms. In parallel, Epic confirmed that Fortnite will also be offered on Linux through the launcher.

The Verge

Epic’s development team employed artificial-intelligence tools to generate and review the launcher’s code, a process the company calls “vibe coded.” Martin Keely, Epic’s vice-president and general manager of the Epic Games Store and Epic Online Services, explained that AI agents wrote and reviewed all of the code, while human engineers supervised the entire workflow. Keely noted that AI assistance accelerated development and enabled the Linux build, though the team still managed the overall process. This AI-centric effort aligns with CEO Tim Sweeney’s broader “huge pivot” to retool the company for maximum AI acceleration, aiming to let developers “build MORE and BETTER stuff” with Unreal technology.

The Verge

Tim Sweeney, in a memo to staff following the March layoff of more than 1,000 employees, clarified that the reductions were unrelated to AI initiatives and emphasized the goal of maintaining a large pool of developers. Martin Keely, speaking to The Verge, framed the launcher as a demonstration of the speed and efficiency achieved through the AI-driven development process and expressed confidence that the direction benefits both Epic and the wider gaming ecosystem.

The Verge

• “It’s part of our migration as a company to use AI in new and different ways.” — Martin Keely

The Verge

• “We definitely had agents write and review all of the code,” — Keeley

The Verge

• “Since it’s a thing now, I should note that the layoffs aren’t related to AI,” — Tim Sweeney, CEO

The Verge

The preview launcher is available immediately on Windows, mac-OS, and Linux. Epic has not set a firm deadline for migrating all users to the new client, stating that the full launch will occur when the software is deemed stable and feature-complete. The company’s AI-focused development strategy suggests further integration of generative tools in future products.

The Verge