adminThe Epic Games Disney game delay affects a planned shooter featuring characters from the Marvel and Star Wars franchises. The game was expected to arrive in March, but Epic has not announced a new release date. The schedule change comes alongside a reported move toward an “AI first” approach to development.
Image credit: Epic Games
Epic Games Disney game delay and AI-first development
People familiar with the project say developers were asked to use AI tools, including Anthropic’s Claude, as part of production, with staff reviewing the results. An internal message reportedly told the team to stop writing code by hand and described plans to create the game’s art through AI workflows.
Epic communications director Jake Jones said the company is adopting AI-assisted development while keeping its developers in charge of the creative direction. Disney had not immediately commented on the reported plans. The details indicate a proposed production approach; they do not establish that every part of the finished game will be generated by AI.
Why the game’s schedule may have changed
Reports about the project also point to development delays. People familiar with the work said Epic underestimated the staffing and time required to make the game. Developers were reportedly informed about the change during a video call, and some were surprised by the announcement.
With no replacement launch date confirmed, players should treat March as an outdated target rather than a current release commitment. Epic has not provided a revised timetable in the information available, so further details may depend on a future company announcement.
Epic and Disney’s wider partnership
Disney invested $1.5 billion in Epic in 2024 and acquired an equity stake in the company. The companies also announced a partnership covering multiple games, with this shooter planned as the first project. The partnership places the delayed title within a broader collaboration, but no additional release details for the shooter have been confirmed.
Epic also announced 1,000 job cuts in March, citing factors that included slowing engagement in Fortnite. That workforce reduction and the game’s reported staffing needs are separate details; the available information does not establish that the layoffs caused the delay.
AI use across the games industry
A 2026 Game Developers Conference survey found that more than one-third of game developers use AI in their work, while more than half believe AI is harmful to the industry. The figures reflect differing views among developers and do not, by themselves, show how any particular game will use the technology.
The scale of AI use described for this project has drawn attention because reports say the game could rely heavily on AI-assisted production. A separate report said Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii had made a new game using AI in about 30 minutes. These examples highlight how AI tools are being discussed in game development, while the Epic project’s final methods and release plans remain unconfirmed.
What players should know
- The shooter features Marvel and Star Wars characters.
- Its previously planned March release has been delayed, with no new date announced.
- Reports describe an AI-focused workflow, with Epic developers overseeing the work.
For now, the key update is the Epic Games Disney game delay and the shift in its reported production approach. Players should wait for an official release-date announcement before making plans around the game’s launch.
