Epic Games Will Continue AI-Generated Thumbnails in Fortnite, Predicts Gen AI Will Be “Increasingly Hard to Detect”

Epic Games Open to AI-Generated Thumbnails for Fortnite Creators

In a recent discussion, Dan Walsh, the project management director at Epic Games, addressed the company’s stance on the use of AI-generated thumbnails by Fortnite creators. He stated that Epic Games does not plan to take action against users who employ these innovative tools, citing the growing challenge of distinguishing AI-generated content from traditional creations.

During an interview with Mustard Plays—reported by Eurogamer—Walsh, alongside executive vice president Sax Persson, emphasized that while Epic Games will refrain from utilizing generative AI for its own assets, the priority remains on ensuring user-generated content adheres to established community guidelines. Their focus lies not in the tools used, but in the compliance with Epic’s rules.

“From our perspective, for moderation, thumbnails – like, we don’t really care what tool you use to make your thumbnails, ”Walsh explained.“All we care about is whether or not it’s compliant with our rules.”

Walsh further elaborated on the implications of AI technology in content creation: “I think to some degree AI is going to become more and more difficult to detect… It’s just going to be another tool that people are using to create things.”

“So trying to look for that specifically is going to become increasingly difficult to the point where it’s probably going to become unenforceable. We’re really just focused on – ‘does this asset comply with our rules, yes or no?’, not ‘what tool did you use to make this asset’?”

The Growing Trend of Generative AI in the Industry

The rise of generative AI is becoming increasingly significant across various sectors of the gaming industry. Many companies and creators are actively exploring its potential integration into their workflows. Notably, Swen Vincke, the head of Larian Studios, has expressed a balanced view on the topic, suggesting that while generative AI could elevate creative standards, it is unlikely to replace human artists. He warned that overreliance on such technology could diminish a competitive edge.

As generative AI continues to evolve and gain momentum, the gaming landscape may see new opportunities and challenges, particularly as companies like Epic Games adapt their approaches to moderation and content creation.

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