Fortnite-maker Epic Games confirms 'huge pivot' towards using AI

Fortnite-maker Epic Games is making a "huge pivot" towards using artificial intelligence (AI) in its video game development, according to boss Tim Sweeney.

Fortnite-maker Epic Games confirms 'huge pivot' towards using AI

TL;DR

  • Epic Games is making a significant 'pivot' towards using AI in video game development, according to CEO Tim Sweeney.
  • Developers are being retrained to 'retool for maximum AI acceleration'.
  • The company is reportedly using AI tools for art generation and to reduce 'hand-written code' for a Disney collaboration.
  • Sweeney stated the aim is not to reduce staff but to empower creators with tools to build 'more' and 'better stuff'.
  • This move occurs six months after Epic Games laid off over 1,000 employees.
  • There are ongoing debates about AI's role in the creative and arts sector, with some expressing concerns about job displacement and the quality of AI-generated content.
  • Sweeney views ramping up AI use as a 'modest aim to survive the AI revolution' and improve efficiency.