Epic Games has reportedly delayed an unannounced Disney shooter that will use Marvel and Star Wars characters, moving it beyond its expected March 2027 launch window. The company is also directing the development team toward an “AI first” production model, according to reporting published after Epic founder Tim Sweeney discussed the wider shift on October 12, 2026.
The project had too few developers to meet its planned schedule, as first reported by Tom’s Hardware. An unnamed game director reportedly told staff that they would stop writing code by hand and create game art through comprehensive AI workflows.
Epic is reallocating developers for AI-assisted work
Sweeney confirmed on X that Epic was reallocating developers to expand AI-assisted development. He said the company wants employees to create more and better work, rather than produce the same output with fewer people.
Epic communications director Jake Jones said the company supports AI-assisted development led by its developers. Epic has previously described the technology as a way to handle repetitive jobs, including detecting code errors and rigging 3D models.
The reported direction goes further than those examples because it could put AI tools at the center of both programming and art production for a high-profile licensed game. Sweeney has also criticized Valve’s practice of labeling games that use AI, placing Epic at odds with one of PC gaming’s largest storefront operators on disclosure around the technology.
Disney’s investment raises the stakes
Disney invested $1.5 billion in Epic in 2024, and Epic reportedly planned for this title to launch a wider series based on Disney intellectual property. That makes the delay significant for both companies: the shooter could shape how Epic turns that investment into games and how audiences respond to AI-heavy production on franchises with established fan bases.
Epic has not announced the game’s official title or a replacement release date. The extent of AI-generated code and art in the final release also remains unclear, along with the team’s size and whether any staffing changes will alter the project’s scope.
This article was produced with AI assistance from multi-source reporting and is published under our editorial standards.
