“Programming is hard”: An Epic AI Push

Stating that “programming is hard,” Epic Games appears to be going all-in on AI. Find out the details. Also, new legislation proposed by a U.S. representative would allow players to actually own the digital games they purchase. All this and all the latest gaming news. Let’s go. 

The right to own digital games

New legislation proposed in the United States would change what it means to own a digital video game. 

In the bill proposed by Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), players would fully own their digital purchases and could resell or transfer their games to other players. Also, the companies who create and sell games would need to make these games accessible and playable even if they shut down their servers. From Rep. Torres’ statement on the legislation:

When you pay for a game, you should own it. Consumers must have the right to own, the right to play, and the right to transfer the games they buy. A game that can be taken away the moment a company pulls the plug is not a purchase. It is a rental disguised as a sale. Families in the Bronx and across the country save up to buy these games, and they deserve better than a license that can vanish at any time. The Power To The Players Act ensures consumers own what they buy and can keep playing long after a company moves on.

As it currently stands, digital video games sales are for a license, and companies like Sony contend that any “reasonable consumers” would realize that. 

Epic embraces AI

A week after Google gave individuals the tools to make AI games, digital storefront and game producer Epic showed it was all-in on the technology. 

Stating that “programming is hard,” Epic launched a preview of their new AI-coded storefront. Epic emphasized the speed of their new storefront, saying it is 46% faster than Steam, although the beta also does not include many features including a shopping cart. While it is questionable if the storefront really is faster, many individuals experienced issues with the launcher.

"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" - Epic Games

However, the new launcher is just the start of Epic’s push to integrate AI. The company reportedly delayed a secret Star Wars and Marvel crossover game they were working on, telling developers to shift to an “AI first” production model. According to a report from Bloomberg, that means using art assets “generated with full AI workflows” and “no more hand-written code.”

After the story broke, Epic CEO Tim Sweeny took to Twitter to say “We have a huge pivot underway here at Epic, moving developers around to retool for maximum AI acceleration.”

Epic isn’t the only major studio attempting to utilize AI in game production. Microsoft announced Xbox Labs, a group looking at how AI is used to decompile, modify, and port games. 

Side Quests (more stories worth reading)

🚔 Rockstar released their official launch trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6. Also, the PC version of the game will reportedly launch in the first three months of 2027. 

😠 Despite saying their games were “yours to keep forever,” game store Legacy Games is shutting down and players will no longer be able to download or install items they purchased. 

🎮 Xbox announced a new controller that is smaller, cheaper and has a rechargeable battery. 

✊🏽 Developers of the game Big Walk are boycotting bringing the game to Xbox due to Microsoft’s involvement in the Palestine conflict. 

💰 The Kickstarter for author Brandon Sanderson’s board game Stormlight: War for Roshar raised over $1 million in one day. 

⛔ Just weeks after announcing RuneScape Reignited, developer Jagex canceled the project. 

👏🏻 Steam achievements for a game will now be shown in separate groups, breaking out DLC and seasonal conquests. 

🐧 Epic is making changes to Easy Anti-Cheat that will allow it to bring Fortnite to Linux. 

😮 A new report says just the memory for the expected PlayStation 6 would cost $680.

🚀 A remastered 30th anniversary edition of Wing Commander 3 is reportedly in the works. 

🏈 The developers of EA Sports College Football fear the franchise could be axed before 2030. 

💿 Sony revealed a collector’s edition for God of War Laufey that does not include a copy of the game. 

📈 Round numbers: Control Resonant sold one million copies.

New Releases this week:

Check out our article on 10 New Games to Play in October. 

10/21: Stupid Never Dies (PlayStation and PC)
10/22: Nintendo Switch Sports Resort (Switch)
10/22: Final Fantasy Resonance (PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and PC)
10/23: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and PC)
10/23: ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet (Switch and PC)

Thanks for reading. If you enjoy our newsletter, please tell a friend to subscribe or become a Supporter to help us pay the bills!