Disney’s massive gaming partnership with Epic Games has hit a delay, and new reports about artificial intelligence taking over much of the development process are raising some interesting questions.
According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, Epic Games has postponed an unannounced shooter featuring characters from Marvel and Star Wars. The game reportedly had a March 2027 release target, but developers have not received a replacement date.
Bloomberg also reports that developers must adopt an “AI first” approach, including tools such as Anthropic’s Claude. One director reportedly instructed employees to stop writing code manually and use AI workflows to generate the game’s artwork. Human developers would continue overseeing the results.
Shortly after Bloomberg published its report, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney addressed the company’s growing use of artificial intelligence in an October 12 post on X.
We have a huge pivot underway here at Epic, moving developers around to retool for maximum AI acceleration. The aim isn’t to do the same stuff with fewer people, but to enable everyone here to build MORE and BETTER stuff, and to bring the benefits to all teams using Unreal.
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) October 12, 2026
“We have a huge pivot underway here at Epic, moving developers around to retool for maximum AI acceleration.
The aim isn’t to do the same stuff with fewer people, but to enable everyone here to build MORE and BETTER stuff, and to bring the benefits to all teams using Unreal.”
Sweeney’s comments confirm that Epic is making significant changes to its development process, although he didn’t specifically address the reported delay to the Disney project. His response also emphasizes that Epic intends to use AI to increase productivity rather than simply reduce its workforce.
Disney’s $1.5 Billion Epic Games Partnership
Disney originally announced its $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games in February 2024, with plans to create an expansive entertainment universe connected to Fortnite. Disney also promoted the collaboration during D23 that August. The project promises interactive experiences featuring Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and other franchises, giving fans new ways to play and explore their favorite stories.
What Does This Mean for Disney Fans?
Disney and Epic have already introduced smaller Fortnite experiences, including Disneyland Game Rush, which debuted in 2025 as part of Disneyland Resort‘s 70th anniversary celebration. (This features mini-games inspired by attractions including Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Indiana Jones Adventure, and WEB SLINGERS. Players can compete, collect virtual rewards, and explore a Disneyland-themed environment.) However, the larger gaming collaboration remains in development.
AI tools have become increasingly common in game development, but relying on them to produce artwork and code raises questions about creativity and the role of human artists. Disney has built its reputation on the work of talented artists, animators, and storytellers. How much of that creativity should come from AI?
Would you play a Disney game developed primarily with artificial intelligence, or would you rather see more human involvement?
