Fortnite builders are exploring methods to use AI methods to doubtlessly make video games extra effectively, however it’s not being finished with the ambition of changing human employees, in line with an Epic worker. Stephanie Arnett, who’s a senior exterior improvement supervisor on the firm, stated not too long ago that Epic has been “exploring completely different AI tooling that we will use to assist assist our video games.”
Talking at a Gamescom Latam panel attended by GamesRadar, Arnett went on to say she understands that “everybody’s greatest concern” is that “AI goes to take all our jobs.”
“That’s not our aim. The aim is to make us extra environment friendly,” she stated, providing up an instance that, with using AI, builders would possibly be capable to full duties extra rapidly. She didn’t give specifics, however stated Epic’s experimentation with AI to date has included work “within the artwork realm as properly.”
That half particularly is especially upsetting some within the Fortnite neighborhood, as followers typically don’t need to see artwork of their video games made with generative AI. Some studios do that already, as Activision has disclosed that some belongings for Name of Responsibility are made with generative AI. Fortnite is one other massively standard live-service sport with new content material popping out all time, so it solely is sensible that Epic would think about using new applied sciences to work sooner and extra effectively.
Epic has already invested in sure AI applied sciences, as the corporate partnered with the James Earl Jones property to launch an AI-powered Darth Vader in Fortnite that gamers might discuss to. Early on, gamers received Vader to make use of profanity, however this was rapidly mounted.
Earlier this yr, Epic laid off greater than 1,000 folks and closed a number of video games as a result of it was “spending considerably greater than we’re making.” Epic additionally introduced a $500 million cost-savings plan that may see cuts to contract work and advertising and marketing.
There was loads of pushback towards using generative AI in sport improvement, however a 2026 examine stated it’s a vocal minority making a whole lot of noise concerning the concern. The examine discovered that almost all of gamers don’t care, however the identical examine additionally discovered {that a} rising share of individuals say they’re extra seemingly than earlier than to refuse to purchase a sport in the event that they came upon it makes use of generative AI.
In different AI information, Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick not too long ago stated his firm is exploring the way it can use AI to make video games extra effectively towards the backdrop of ever-increasing sport budgets.
Sony, in the meantime, not too long ago stated Uncharted and The Final of Us developer Naughty Canine is presently utilizing an AI system that may do work that used to take hours in a fraction of a second.