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Epic Releases Fortnite Video That's Trying To Launder The Company's Use Of AI In The Art Pipeline, But Artists I Spoke To Simply Aren't Having It

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has labeled Valve's requirement for AI disclosure on Steam as irresponsible. He compared these labels to a Scarlet Letter that encourages a hater community to kill games. This follows Epic's own use of generative AI for Fortnite assets via Unreal Engine 6.

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What changed

Tim Sweeney has publicly criticized Valve's AI content rules as irresponsible.

Live updates

  1. Epic Games CEO Criticizes Steam AI Disclosure Rules

    Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has labeled Valve's requirement for AI disclosure on Steam as irresponsible. He compared these labels to a Scarlet Letter that encourages a hater community to kill games. This follows Epic's own use of generative AI for Fortnite assets via Unreal Engine 6.

    What's confirmed:

    • Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called Valve's AI disclosure requirements irresponsible.
    • Sweeney stated that these disclosures act as a Scarlet Letter that leads players to try to kill the game.
    • Epic Games intends to use Unreal Engine 6 to unify traditional developers and Fortnite creators.
    confidence 100%

  2. Epic Games AI Integration Threatens Fortnite Crossovers

    Epic Games revealed that Unreal Engine 6 uses generative AI to produce in-game assets for Fortnite. This disclosure has led Poncle, the developer of Vampire Survivors, to review its planned collaboration. The company describes the AI as part of an art concepting process.

    What's confirmed:

    • Epic Games uses generative AI tools within the art and design process for Fortnite.
    • Unreal Engine 6 incorporates generative AI to create in-game assets.
    • Poncle is reviewing its plans for a Vampire Survivors crossover with Fortnite following these revelations.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The Vampire Survivors x Fortnite collaboration might be canceled.
    • Unreal Engine 6 is riddled with AI-assisted tools.
    confidence 95%

  3. Epic Games Cuts 1,000 Jobs Amid Fortnite Decline

    Epic Games is laying off 1,000 employees. The company is seeking $500 million in cost savings. CEO Tim Sweeney attributes the moves to a drop in Fortnite engagement.

    What's confirmed:

    • Epic Games is laying off 1,000 employees.
    • CEO Tim Sweeney linked the cuts to a downturn in Fortnite engagement.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The company is identifying $500 million in additional cost savings.
    • 200 of the layoffs will occur in Cary.
    confidence 100%

  4. Epic Games Admits Use of Generative AI in Fortnite Production

    Epic Games released a video confirming the use of generative AI tools for 3D rendering of characters and skins. The company uses a tool called GenMedia to refine art assets. Players and artists have expressed dissatisfaction with this practice.

    What's confirmed:

    • Epic Games is using generative AI tools in Unreal Engine to create buildings, characters, and skins.
    • The company uses a tool called GenMedia to process text prompts for rendering.
    • Fans and players have expressed unhappiness and concern regarding the use of this technology.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Epic Games is charging up to 15 for AI-assisted skins.
    • Artists feel threatened by the company's reliance on AI for skin production.
    confidence 90%

  5. Fortnite Faces Backlash Over AI Use and Potential Loss of Partnership

    Epic Games is facing accusations of using generative AI in Fortnite Chapter 7. Players have pointed to suspicious in-game images as evidence. CEO Tim Sweeney has argued against labeling AI content on digital storefronts.

    What's confirmed:

    • CEO Tim Sweeney stated that online storefronts should not label games featuring AI content.
    • Fans have accused Epic Games of using generative AI in Fortnite Chapter 7.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • A Fortnite artist defended their work against claims that new season images are AI-generated.
    confidence 90%

  6. Epic Games Discloses Generative AI Use in Fortnite Art Pipeline

    Epic Games released a video detailing how generative AI tools assist in creating concept art for Fortnite skins and locations. The company is integrating these tools into Unreal Engine 6 to reduce tedious authoring work. The revelation has led to backlash from artists and players.

    What's confirmed:

    • Epic Games uses generative AI tools to create concept art and designs for Fortnite skins and in-game locations.
    • The company is integrating generative AI into Unreal Engine 6 to reduce tedious content authoring work.
    • Epic's AI process involves a workflow of sketches, AI renders, and manual hand fixes.
    • Fortnite players are demanding AI disclaimers on skins.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The Vampire Survivors crossover with Fortnite might not happen due to genAI concerns.
    • Some artists view the company's AI video as an attempt to launder its use of the technology.
    • Epic's use of AI is sparking fan backlash over quality and slop designs.
    confidence 90%