Epic Games
Epic Games business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Valve Shoots Self in Foot Over AI Stance as Epic Doubles Down
Valve and Epic Games have contrasting approaches to artificial intelligence in game development. Valve maintains a hands-off policy for Steam, focusing on discovery rather than policing AI tools, while Epic Games is actively integrating AI into Unreal Engine development and its own production processes, viewing it as a tool to accelerate development and improve efficiency.
More Chinese success as Phantom Blade Zero enjoys a big launch and becomes one of Steam's most played games
Phantom Blade Zero has achieved significant success following its release, reaching over 431,000 concurrent players on Steam and topping the global best-sellers chart. Early reviews are mostly positive, with estimates suggesting over 1 million copies sold across PC and PlayStation 5. Meanwhile, Epic Games is doubling down on its use of controversial AI tools for game development, including Fortnite and Unreal Engine 6, despite developer and community concerns.
Epic Games chief Tim Sweeney claims 'Valve has held gaming back for years'
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has stated that Valve's Steam platform has hindered the gaming industry for years by enforcing its Steamworks framework. He argues that Valve's 30% revenue cut is excessive and that developers should have more freedom to distribute their games across different platforms and storefronts.
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 is significantly increasing its use of generative AI across its products, including Fortnite and Unreal Engine 6. Executive vice president Marcus Wassmer stated that engineers are now guiding AI tools rather than writing the bulk of the code, aiming for faster development and fewer bugs. The company is unconcerned about skepticism surrounding AI, prioritizing speed over caution.
"We are more concerned about the risks of moving too slowly": Epic get more specific about genAI use in Unreal Engine and Fortnite development
Epic Games is actively integrating generative AI into the development of Unreal Engine and Fortnite, according to executive vice president Marcus Wassmer. Tools like Claude Code and Codex are being used to eliminate bugs, compress shaders, and refactor code, significantly speeding up development cycles. Epic prioritizes rapid adoption of AI over skepticism, aiming to maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
When does the Fortnite Treasure Hunters mini-season start?
The Fortnite Treasure Hunters mini-season is set to launch on November 1, 2026, following the conclusion of the current Battle Pass on October 31, 2026. This season will feature an anime pirate theme with collaborations including One Piece characters, A$AP Rocky, and Hatsune Miku. The Battle Pass will cost 800 V-Bucks.
Epic is updating its EULA to allow AI training on outputs from Unreal Engine and MetaHuman
Epic Games is updating its End-User License Agreement (EULA) to remove restrictions on training artificial intelligence using outputs from Unreal Engine and MetaHuman. CEO Tim Sweeney announced the planned change on X, stating that while Epic is removing this restriction, individual game developers will still have the discretion to allow or disallow AI training for their specific titles.
Tim Sweeney argues Steam has held gaming back, but Valve's tools tell a different story
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney claims Valve's Steamworks locks developers into a closed ecosystem, hindering cross-platform communication. While Valve's documentation indicates their Steam Datagram Relay service can be used across platforms if a game also launches on Steam, Sweeney and former Epic employee Kiaran Ritchie argue developers should pay for individual services rather than a 30% revenue cut. The discussion highlights ongoing rivalry and debate over digital distribution models.
One Piece Trailer Gives Straw Hat Pirates Fans a Perfect Video Game Crossover They’ll Love
Fortnite is set to launch a new "Treasure Hunters" mini-season featuring a crossover with the popular manga series One Piece on November 1, 2026. The collaboration will introduce character skins inspired by the Straw Hat Pirates, including Luffy, Nami, and Zoro, with a live-action trailer showcasing some of their iconic abilities.
"Valve has held gaming back for years," Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney proclaims in his latest jab against Steam
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has again criticized Valve and its Steam platform, claiming that Steamworks has hindered the gaming industry for years by creating a 'social walled garden.' Sweeney argues that this system prevents cross-platform communication and limits player interaction. The article notes that Valve's Steam Datagram Relay does offer cross-platform capabilities for games launched on Steam, and points out Valve's contributions to Linux gaming via the Steam Deck and Proton.
Fortnite x One Piece Collab Teased & Characters Leaked
Epic Games has officially confirmed a collaboration between Fortnite and One Piece, teasing the arrival of the Going Merry ship. Leaks suggest that characters like Monkey D. Luffy and Portgas D. Ace could be featured as in-game skins, potentially launching with the pirate-themed Treasure Hunters mini-season in November.
Shape Sender Deluxe Pulls Epic Games Store Release As Tim Sweeney Doubles Down on AI
Developer Dead Teapot has withdrawn its game, Shape Sender Deluxe, from the Epic Games Store. This decision was made in response to comments made by Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney regarding artificial intelligence.
Epic Games CEO calls Steam's AI disclosure policies "a political act"
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has strongly criticized Valve's AI disclosure policy for Steam, labeling it a "political act" and "abhorrent." Sweeney argues that such policies force developers into making political statements that can be used by online mobs to target games and deprive them of revenue. He believes these disclosures are partisan and akin to mandatory political essays, contrasting it with Epic Games' more open approach to AI usage.
"Just because you can order at a restaurant doesn’t mean you’re a chef": Game lawyer says AI-generated code made with confidential details did nothing but waste everybody's time
An IP lawyer specializing in video game contracts highlights the misuse of generative AI in development, citing an instance where a contractor submitted AI-generated code containing confidential information, leading to a failed agreement. The article discusses the legal risks, including copyright infringement and breaches of confidentiality, associated with current AI tools and suggests incorporating anti-AI clauses into contracts.
Steam's AI disclosures are akin to "forcing developers to list their voting history", says man who must hate seeing eggs virtue signal that they're free-range
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Valve's new policy requiring developers to disclose the use of generative AI in their games. Sweeney argued that these disclosures are akin to forcing developers to reveal political affiliations and could be used against them by a 'hate mob.' The article counters that such transparency is necessary for consumers to make informed decisions, comparing it to age ratings and suggesting that businesses should adapt to consumer preferences.
Steam "loading user data" error causing major issues – Valve's store is down for the second time in…
Steam is experiencing widespread outages due to a "loading user data" error, preventing many users from accessing games and the store. This is the second outage in a week, with the previous one occurring on October 21. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Valve's recent AI disclosures.
Steam Week in Review: AI disclosures enter the discourse again, as Epic CEO calls them 'just as partisan as…
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has strongly criticized Valve's mandatory AI disclosure policy for Steam, calling it politically motivated and harmful to developers. He argues that Valve is creating an anti-AI environment and that this stance benefits Epic Games. Valve, however, states the policy is to understand the evolving landscape and risks associated with AI in game development.
'This is the bit where the comet hits the earth and the dinosaurs die:' Tim Sweeney revisits scathing 26-year-old eulogy for beloved studio Looking Glass
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney's 2000 statement on the closure of Looking Glass Studios, which described the event as an 'economically realistic day' and criticized the studio's overhead and niche appeal, has resurfaced. While Sweeney stands by his assessment that game businesses must be profitable, industry figures have criticized his 'asshole CEO' mindset, highlighting the artistic impact of studios like Looking Glass and the often illogical reasons behind modern studio shutdowns and layoffs.
Still mad at Valve for Steam's AI disclosures, Epic Games boss criticizes "forcing developers to write a political statement to be used against them by the hate mob"
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has strongly criticized Valve's policy requiring developers to disclose the use of generative AI in their games on Steam. Sweeney called the policy "abhorrent" and a "Scarlet Letter," arguing it forces developers into making political statements that can be used against them by critics. The article highlights Sweeney's long-standing advocacy for generative AI in game development and contrasts Valve's approach with Epic's own embrace of the technology.
GameMaker's GMRT runtime will soon be free for all developers
GameMaker, owned by Opera, will make its GMRT runtime free for all developers starting January 1, 2027, removing the need for professional licenses to ship games on PC, mobile, and browser platforms. This move aims to increase accessibility for indie game development. The announcement comes amidst industry-wide shifts in game engine business models, with competitors like Unity and Epic Games also exploring new features and pricing strategies.
