Tim Sweeney
Reporting and statements that mention Tim Sweeney.
Latest coverage
Data analyst finds 'AI stigma' on Steam can reduce the number of reviews a game gets by around 53%—and…
A data analysis by Ross Burton for Game Oracle suggests that games disclosing the use of artificial intelligence face an 'AI stigma' on Steam, leading to approximately a 53% reduction in reviews compared to games that do not disclose AI use. This penalty is more pronounced for high-potential games and developers with established track records, indicating that player perception significantly impacts reception despite the tool's utility in game development.
Unreal Engine 6 Expands Multiverse, Enables Fortnite Skin Transfers Across Games, Epic Announces
Epic Games has announced Unreal Engine 6, set for Early Access in late 2027 and full release by 2028-2029. This major update introduces cross-game cosmetic interoperability, starting with Fortnite, allowing players to transfer digital items between different games. The engine also integrates AI tools and Verse, a programming language for online worlds, aiming to foster a unified gaming experience and honor player investments.
Vampire Survivors devs are rethinking their Fortnite collab
The developers of Vampire Survivors, Poncle, are reconsidering their collaboration with Fortnite due to Epic Games' increasing integration of generative AI tools. Despite Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney's past comments on AI tags, the company is now promoting generative AI for game asset creation within Unreal Engine. Poncle has publicly stated they are reviewing the partnership, indicating a potential halt if Epic Games continues down this path.
After Epic outline a genAI focused Unreal Engine 6, Vampire Survivors studio Poncle say they're "reviewing" their Fortnite collab
Following Epic Games' announcement of generative AI integration in Unreal Engine 6, Vampire Survivors developer Poncle is reviewing its collaboration with Fortnite. Poncle expressed concern over Epic's plans to use AI for asset creation, including Fortnite characters, and is assessing if their upcoming Fortnite collaboration will proceed. The studio aims to ensure no assets involved in the collaboration were created using generative AI.
"One view of the future is that Roblox grows and eats gaming" - Epic Games boss Tim Sweeney delivers impassioned speech about the future of gaming
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney delivered a speech at the State of Unreal event, expressing concern over the rising costs and failing audiences in the AAA game business. He highlighted the growing importance of social gaming experiences and user-generated content platforms like Roblox, suggesting they represent a significant shift in the industry's future. Sweeney also discussed Epic's vision for a connected ecosystem powered by Unreal Engine, despite the company itself facing layoffs.
Vampire Survivors studio Poncle is "reviewing" its Fortnite collaboration after the State of Unreal show and Epic's focus on generative AI
Vampire Survivors developer Poncle is reviewing its collaboration with Fortnite following Epic Games' showcase of generative AI tools in Unreal Engine. Poncle expressed concern over Epic's use of AI for asset creation, stating they would reassess the partnership. This comes amid ongoing ethical debates surrounding AI in game development, including its impact on artists and potential copyright issues.
Fortnite boss hopes to take on Roblox's massive everythingverse with a "very different" massive everythingverse, as Epic unveil genAI-infused Unreal Engine 6
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney outlined his vision for a future "everythingverse" to compete with Roblox, emphasizing open standards and collaboration. The company also unveiled Unreal Engine 6, featuring generative AI integration aimed at streamlining game development and reducing tedious tasks for creators.
Unreal Engine 6 is bringing generative AI into its development tools
Epic Games is integrating generative AI into Unreal Engine 6's development tools, aiming to streamline tasks like level design, character rigging, and lighting. The engine will also feature the Verse programming language for more accessible development and support for persistent, large-scale live experiences. Unreal Engine 6 will unify Unreal Engine 5 and Unreal Editor for Fortnite, enhancing interoperability and collaboration among developers.
'It feels to many like a tidal wave is sweeping over the AAA game business,' says Epic CEO Tim Sweeney in his…
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney described the current AAA game business as facing a "tidal wave" due to escalating development costs and a high failure rate for major releases. He contrasted this with the success of platforms like Roblox and proposed Epic's vision of a connected metaverse ecosystem built on Unreal Engine as a more developer-friendly alternative.
You’ll Be Able To Use Your Fortnite Skins In Other Games, Eventually
Epic Games announced that Unreal Engine 6 will enable Fortnite skins to be used in other UE6 games, and vice versa, as part of its metaverse initiative. This aims to create a shared economy for smart assets that function across different titles. An early access version of Unreal Engine 6 is planned for late 2027.
Unreal Engine 6 has a novel idea: you using your Fortnite skins in other Unreal games and vice versa
Epic Games is exploring a shared economy for Unreal Engine 6, allowing players to use Fortnite skins in other Unreal Engine games and vice versa. Development team lead Marcus Wassmer detailed this initiative, aiming to create portable player value and foster ecosystem growth. While Unreal Engine 6 is still in early development with an estimated early access in late 2027, it will also feature enhanced multiplayer support and cross-platform capabilities.
"We are seeing a certain degree of effectiveness from the use of generative AI" - Capcom clarifies its stance on using the controversial tech
Capcom is using generative AI to improve the efficiency of routine operations in game development, allowing developers to focus more on creative tasks. While the company sees effectiveness in its current AI implementation, it expects it will take time to quantitatively demonstrate the results. This approach aligns with a growing trend in the industry, though debates continue regarding AI's role and impact on human creativity.
Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis devs reveal AI use after State Of Play trailer
Crystal Dynamics has confirmed the use of AI tools in the development of Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis, a remake of the original 1996 game. The game is set to release on February 12, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. An AI disclaimer on the Steam page states that AI-assisted assets were either replaced or refined by humans to maintain the creative vision, addressing concerns about potential AI asset inclusion.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis comes with an AI disclaimer
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the original Tomb Raider developed by Flying Wild Hog and Crystal Dynamics, will feature an AI Generated Content Disclosure. The game is set to release on February 12th next year for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The disclosure states that AI-assisted tools were used to support early development content, but all AI-assisted assets were either replaced or refined by humans.
MMO Business Roundup: Steam Deck’s price hike, Microsoft’s ActiBlizz settlement, and Rockstar UK’s union
This MMO business roundup covers several industry developments, including Valve's Steam Deck OLED experiencing significant price hikes. Microsoft has settled a $250 million class-action lawsuit related to its Activision Blizzard acquisition. Additionally, developers at Rockstar Games have officially formed a union, the Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), and plan legal action over alleged union-busting.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney throws shade at Valve / Gabe Newell for Steam Deck pricing
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Valve and Gabe Newell's pricing strategy for the Steam Deck on social media. Sweeney's comments, referencing component costs and economic disruptions, were met with counter-criticism regarding Epic's own recent layoffs and Sweeney's support for generative AI.
Valve's Gabe Newell attacked by Epic's Tim Sweeney over Steam Deck price hike
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Valve boss Gabe Newell following a significant price increase for the Steam Deck, attributing the hike to global logistical challenges and component costs. Sweeney's comments were met with scrutiny due to Epic Games' own recent price adjustments and layoffs, as well as the role of AI data centers in exacerbating memory shortages.
Tim Sweeney takes swipes at Valve for Steam Deck price hike, blames it on the 'component parts supply chain for…
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Valve's recent price increase for the Steam Deck, attributing it to supply chain issues for components. Sweeney sarcastically linked the price hike to Valve's alleged funding of Gabe Newell's superyacht, while also contrasting Valve's lack of layoffs with Epic Games' recent workforce reductions. Despite a nearly 50% price increase, Steam Deck models quickly sold out in North America.
Tim Sweeney goes after Gabe Newell following Valve's Steam Deck price hike: "Severe disruptions in the component parts supply chain for megayachts"
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney publicly criticized Valve co-founder Gabe Newell following a Steam Deck price hike, sarcastically commenting on supply chain issues for megayachts. This exchange highlights a long-standing rivalry between the two industry leaders, stemming from past disputes over Steam's revenue split and the Epic Games Store's competition with Steam.
Epic devs discuss the shock of mass layoffs: 'We only had a slight hint that the company revenue wasn't doing…
Epic Games recently conducted significant layoffs, impacting around 1,000 developers, a move that surprised many employees despite some hints of revenue challenges. The article highlights the diverse talent affected and the subsequent job search efforts by former employees, while also touching on the company's communication and restructuring strategies.