Epic Confesses To Using Generative AI In Early Game Development Stages
Epic has finally taken the time to answer players’ questions regarding its use of AI. In a video posted to the official Epic YouTube channel, the Fortnite makers showed how they create character models.
Specifically, the video shows human artists working on character concepts before handing them off to AI to create 3D models. From there, the models are supposed to undergo human review.
AI has become a touchy subject. Some praise its ability to streamline and optimise processes.
However, the technology is trained on existing assets, leading to accusations of intellectual theft. There are serious concerns regarding AI taking jobs from creatives.
Finally, gen AI also produces soulless art that all looks the same, and it can struggle to craft realistic images. There are multiple instances of characters depicted with an inaccurate number of digits.
Yeti In A Hammock
This was the case with the Yeti in a hammock poster launched by Epic in 2025. The titular Yeti had nine toes – five on one foot and four on the other. It didn’t take long for viewers to spot the error and level accusations of generative AI use at the studio.
It also led to a dissection of other Fortnite posters and art. Although Epic never specifically addressed the question of AI use in the Yeti poster, CEO Tim Sweeney has staunchly defended the technology’s use in general.
Epic On AI
In response to Steam’s decision to add AI use disclaimers on games, he said that “AI will be involved in nearly all future production” of video games and called for the platform to get rid of the requirement.
He doubled down on the comment with another X post, saying, “Why stop at AI use? We could have mandatory disclosures for what shampoo brand the developer uses. Customers deserve to know lol.”
Unsurprisingly, the comments divided opinions.
Last week, the studio went one step further. In a video explaining how they create art for their games, Epic included details of using generative AI to convert artist-created drawings into 3D versions. Assets are then supposed to undergo human checks to catch any problems.
Epic’s biggest hit, Fortnite, launched in 2017 and amassed 20 million players within the first two months. It had ten times that number a year later.
But recent reports suggest player numbers have decreased 25% over the past few years, and average playtime has nearly halved from 29 hours to 15 hours.
Epic laid off thousands of employees and was forced to close Fortnite Ballistic, Rocket Racing, and other game types.
