The developers of Vampire Survivors, Poncle, are reconsidering their collaboration with Epic Games after the latter announced new AI-powered features for Unreal Engine. Epic recently revealed several new crossovers for Fortnite, including one with Vampire Survivors. However, Poncle expressed reservations following the announcement of generative AI being used to create game assets, including Fortnite characters. The developers are currently reviewing the partnership and will update on any progress.
The gaming industry has shown mixed reactions to the rise of generative AI, with many developers criticizing its impact. Poncle appears to be among those taking a stand against this trend. The concerns may be linked to Unreal Engine 6’s integration with AI tools like Claude and Gemini, which aim to enhance creativity and productivity by allowing developers to focus on core creative tasks.
Epic’s executive vice president, Marcus Wassmer, highlighted the potential for AI to facilitate larger-scale developer collaboration, making content and economies interoperable across games. A recent demonstration showcased artists using AI to develop concepts for Fortnite, with plans to transition Fortnite’s cosmetic infrastructure to an open model in Unreal Engine 6. This move could allow developers to utilize Fortnite outfits in their own games, fostering a shared economy for smart assets.
