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Epic throws shade at Steam, admits to vibe-coding the new Epic Games Launcher with AI "to be faster than the other guy"
Eurogamer.net • • technology
Key Points:
- Epic Games has developed a new version of its Epic Games Launcher using generative AI, aiming to make it faster and more responsive than Steam's launcher, with a focus on speed over features in the initial release.
- The company describes this AI-assisted development process as "vibe coding," which has allowed a small team to efficiently rewrite the codebase and accelerate multi-platform launch.
- Epic Games is adopting an "AI first" development approach across projects, including a Marvel and Star Wars shooter, where developers are encouraged to minimize hand-written code and utilize AI-generated art and workflows.
- CEO Tim Sweeney emphasized that the AI integration aims to empower developers to create more and better content rather than reduce workforce size, with plans to extend AI benefits to Unreal Engine users.
- Despite Epic Games Store's ongoing challenge in competing with Steam's dominant PC market share, this AI-driven strategy represents a bold attempt to enhance its platform and potentially shift user preferences.
