Epic Games pushes generative AI: Store glitches mount after layoffs

Epic Games has reportedly changed its production strategy for 2026, with CEO Tim Sweeney pushing heavier use of generative AI across coding, art, and production.

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Inside the company, staff are said to be moving toward end-to-end, machine-assisted workflows. That includes Claude for coding, along with goals as direct as “no more hand-written code,” part of Epic’s broader effort to reshape game development, platform work, and internal pipelines for a shifting market.

Some of that pressure is already showing in public. The Epic Games Store still hasn’t become profitable, and recent storefront changes have brought glitches and usability complaints. Critics say that puts Epic in a weaker position as it tries to challenge Steam on quality, not only on pricing and exclusives.

If you use the Epic Games Store or Unreal Engine often, this is something to watch. Epic reportedly laid off more than 1,000 employees in March 2026 after weaker Fortnite engagement and overspending. A Disney project involving Marvel and Star Wars characters was delayed, then reworked to fit the new approach. Developers have also warned that these tools can hurt creativity, reliability, and jobs, with 64% in one 2026 survey saying creativity suffers.

You can download the Epic Games Store for PC from Epic Games, while Unreal Engine is still available through Epic’s developer channels.

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