Epic Games
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'Vibe your way to $50K': Epic is challenging devs to build a game in 4 days with AI — and gamers are in…
Epic Games has announced an 'AI MegaJam' competition where developers have four days to create a game using AI tools, with a $50,000 prize pool. The event, which encourages the use of AI for asset generation and coding, has been met with significant backlash from gamers who view AI as detrimental to creativity and the game market.
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto says AI could have 'positive' impact on gaming
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto believes generative AI can positively impact game development by allowing creators to focus on core concepts rather than labor-intensive tasks. He compares its introduction to the advent of computers, suggesting it will highlight individual creativity and intent. While acknowledging potential pitfalls, Miyamoto remains optimistic about AI's role as an assistant that ultimately requires human guidance for meaningful creation.
Epic AI MegaJam Sparks Backlash Over AI Direction
Epic Games' announcement of its AI MegaJam, which encourages developers to use AI extensively in game creation, has sparked significant backlash from the development community. Critics argue that Epic is misrepresenting the capabilities of AI and disrespecting the established practices of game jams and rapid prototyping. The event, despite initially requiring AI use, now lists it as optional but still promotes AI-assisted development heavily.
Evening Reading - October 22, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers a variety of topics including the availability of a documentary on Mina the Hollower, a breach at Capcom exposing millions of email addresses, and reviews for SteelSeries gaming mice and Nintendo Switch Sports. It also touches on business news from Tesla and Meta regarding AI investments, and highlights other internet content such as sports talk shows and music.
Epic announces game jam where you have to use AI
Epic Games is hosting its AI MegaJam in November, challenging participants to create games using AI tools with thousands of dollars in prizes. The event, themed around AI-driven development, contrasts with other contests that ban AI, reflecting Epic's stance on embracing the technology. CEO Tim Sweeney expressed strong optimism about AI's role in accelerating game development and creative work.
Epic wants to pay you $50,000 to vibe code an AI slop game
Epic Games is hosting the 2026 AI MegaJam, challenging participants to create games using AI tools with Unreal Engine or UEFN. The event offers cash prizes and grants, including up to $50,000 for standout projects, aiming to encourage AI integration in game development. However, the initiative faces significant backlash from developers and the gaming community due to ongoing concerns about AI's impact on the industry.
Fortnite returns to iOS in Australia after court rules Apple violated competition law
Fortnite has returned to iOS devices in Australia following a Federal Court ruling that found Apple violated competition law by restricting alternative app stores and payment methods. The court's decision, which cited Apple's substantial market power, mandates changes to the App Store policies, including allowing direct app downloads from developers and alternative payment options. This ruling is seen as a significant victory for consumers and developers, with Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney hailing it as a major win.
Fortnite's Nikki Skin Sparks Debate Among Horror Fans, With Some Calling for a Boycott
A skin based on Nikki Freeman from the horror franchise, played by Inde Navarrette, has caused controversy among Fortnite players. A segment of the player base is calling for a boycott of the battle royale game due to the backlash.
Obsession’s Nikki is coming to Fortnite
Epic Games is adding a skin based on the horror movie 'Obsession' to Fortnite as part of its Fortnitemares 2026 event. The Nikki skin, inspired by her appearance in the film, is expected to be available in the Fortnite Item Shop on October 21, 2026. The movie 'Obsession' has been a significant box office success.
Epic AI Change Sparks Massive Fight Over AI/Vibe Coding
Epic Games' CEO Tim Sweeney announced a significant pivot towards "maximum AI acceleration," aiming to increase AI use in development and bring benefits to Unreal Engine users. This move has sparked a heated debate within the gaming industry, with figures like artist Kenney Vleugels criticizing the embrace of AI, while an Xbox strategy manager argues that ignoring AI means planning for a "fake future."
Helldivers 2's GameGuard cheat policing "wasn't as effective as it could have been", cue a switch to Easy Anti-Cheat as part of a crackdown on cheat mods
Arrowhead is switching Helldivers 2 from GameGuard to Easy Anti-Cheat due to GameGuard's ineffectiveness. This move aims to improve game integrity and combat cheat mods, though some cosmetic mods may require updates. Easy Anti-Cheat is a widely used industry standard found in games like Elden Ring and Fortnite.
RocketWerkz' C# framework 'BRUTAL' is now available to all developers
RocketWerkz has open-sourced its C#-based game development framework, BRUTAL, offering an alternative to engines like Unity and Unreal Engine. The framework, which combines C# with C++ libraries and low-level graphics access, is free for commercial use with attribution requirements. This release comes amid growing developer concerns over the stability of third-party engine policies.
Xbox biz guy deletes his X account less than 24 hours after saying game devs who don't embrace AI 'should not be in the business of being a business'
Xbox senior business strategy manager Brandon Stirrup deleted his X account after a controversial thread advocating for AI adoption in game development. Stirrup stated that developers not embracing AI are 'planning for a fake future' and that Xbox is actively using AI. His comments sparked significant backlash, leading to the deactivation of his account.
"Elon Musk disagrees with me. This means I am onto something": Legendary game artist calls out AI billionaires, Tim Sweeney responds "this is bulls***" with Musk's support
Veteran game artist Kenney Vleugels criticized AI billionaires like Tim Sweeney and Elon Musk for pushing AI in game development, arguing they don't understand the craft. Sweeney defended AI's velocity and potential, while Musk supported Sweeney. The debate highlights creator concerns about AI's ethical implications, environmental costs, and potential to devalue artistic work.
Obsession Horror Movie Gets Unexpected Video Game Crossover Just in Time for Halloween
Fortnite is teasing a Halloween crossover with the horror movie Obsession, featuring elements from its 'One Wish Willow' storyline. The collaboration, which includes characters like Nikki, is set to arrive on October 21, 2026, and joins other horror franchises like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Beetlejuice in the game.
New launcher for viral AI mash-ups of Elden Ring, Minecraft, and more emerges – with some very questionable terms…
A new launcher called Melty has emerged, allowing users to play AI-generated mashups of games like Elden Ring and Minecraft. However, the launcher's terms of service are highly questionable, and it has been found to include dormant gameplay-recording software without user consent, raising significant privacy concerns.
MMO Week in Review: Funcom’s folly
Funcom has confirmed significant layoffs and the stepping down of its CEO as part of a restructuring effort. The company will now focus on its existing titles, Dune: Awakening and Conan Exiles. This news comes amidst a broader week of MMO updates, including RuneScape halting its Reignited plans and Enshrouded launching its 1.0 release.
Fortnite’s Linux Plan via Epic Games Launcher Needs Distro Support
Epic Games is working to bring Fortnite to Linux via the Epic Games Launcher, but it requires support from Linux distribution maintainers for anti-cheat upgrades and has no release date. While Steam Deck compatibility is a possibility, it is not confirmed. The plan involves rebuilding Easy Anti-Cheat for Linux, with Fortnite serving as the initial test case.
As too much of the industry embrace their own death through genAI, Konami say it's real people that are most important for making good games
Konami Digital Entertainment president Hideki Hayakawa stated that human creators are the most important factor in producing entertaining and innovative video games, rather than generative AI. While acknowledging AI's potential for production efficiency, he believes the "chemical reaction" from diverse developers working together cannot be easily replaced. This stance contrasts with the widespread adoption of AI in the industry.
It’s Time For Epic Games And Its CEO To Touch Grass
Epic Games and CEO Tim Sweeney are facing criticism for their embrace of AI-accelerated development, which critics argue shows they are out of touch with the gaming community and the realities of game development. The company's recent pivot to AI tools for coding and art, exemplified by a troubled Marvel and Star Wars shooter project and a buggy AI-coded Epic Games Launcher beta, has been met with mockery and concern over worker sentiment and product quality.