Tim Sweeney
Reporting and statements that mention Tim Sweeney.
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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.
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.
"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.
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.
Vibe-coding final boss Tim Sweeney attacks Steam’s AI disclosure: ‘abhorrent’
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has strongly criticized Valve's AI disclosure policies on Steam, calling them 'abhorrent.' The article highlights Sweeney's stance against Valve's approach to artificial intelligence content on its platform.
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.
'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.
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.
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.