New Epic Games Launcher ‘Vibe Coded’ Because ‘Programming Is Hard’

Epic Games announced it is working on a new launcher for its store that will be “vibe coded” because “programming is hard” and is now in preview ahead of being rolled out for people to use with their accounts, payment information, and games. The announcement didn’t note what sort of safety protocols or information might be in place with this version handled by AI and LLMs. The company also didn’t note if or when people who use the platform may be forced into using it as opposed to the launcher and storefront coded by actual programmers. This comes after an additional Bloomberg story broke regarding a larger Epic Games shift to AI and LLM usage rather than human art and programming.

In the announcement about the new launcher and store, Epic began with the statement, “Programming is hard. So, instead of doing that, we vibe coded a new Epic Games Launcher that’s way faster and more responsive than the current one, and has a new look.” It said the preview works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It also claimed some of the big features being a shopping cart for purchases, an element already present on Valve’s Steam client and many other online storefronts that Epic described as an “advanced digital commerce technology.” It said someone can monitor downloads, a feature also already present in clients like Steam. The company also claimed it loads faster.

The statement noted a Linux version of Fortniteis in development. While Epic Games did say it is working with Easy Anti-Cheat on it, it didn’t mention if that version of the game will also be vibe-coded.

This comes after another controversial announcement from Epic Games. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier recently uncovered that Epic Games is shifting from actual programming and artists to total AI game development using LLMs. Epic Games Communications Director Jake Jones told Schreier, “We’re embracing AI-accelerated development, led by Epic developers who are the visionaries and creative drivers for everything we do.” Schreier also cited a mandate that said, “No more hand-written code.”

The vibe-coded, AI-built Epic Games store and launcher is now in preview for PCs.