Epic Games is facing criticism over its upcoming AI-focused game development competition after initially indicating that participants would be required to use artificial intelligence. The company later updated its FAQ to clarify that AI use is optional.
The controversy began after Epic announced its 2026 Epic AI MegaJam on October 22, a four-day game development competition offering $65,000 in cash prizes and additional development grants of up to $50,000 for selected projects.
Epic is promoting the event with the slogan “Vibe your way to $50k,” referring to vibe coding, a method of creating software by giving written instructions to AI tools rather than writing all the code manually.
Participants are encouraged to use AI to generate code, artwork, audio, and other game elements. Epic also allows teams of up to five people to work with AI tools throughout development.
But the announcement didn’t sit well with everyone.
Some developers questioned why Epic was putting so much attention on AI-assisted development when traditional game jams have challenged people to create playable games in just a few days for years.
Others argue that the competition’s focus on AI downplays the programming, artistic skills, and experience traditional game development requires.
In an October 23 Reddit discussion, an Unreal Engine developer who said they regularly participate in Epic’s competitions expressed disappointment with the announcement. Other developers questioned the company’s heavy promotion of AI, although some acknowledged that the technology can be useful when used responsibly.
Another criticism focused on the competition’s original FAQ, which said participants had to use AI.
Epic later updated the FAQ to clarify that participants could enter without using AI at all. The company also revised the description of an award that had referenced AI-assisted development, according to GamesRadar+.
Despite those changes, AI remains a central part of the competition’s marketing. One award specifically recognizes games featuring AI-powered characters that players can interact with through conversations.
The debate comes as more gaming companies experiment with AI to assist with programming, artwork, and other development tasks. Supporters believe the technology could help independent creators who lack programming experience or the money to hire artists and developers.
Critics, however, worry that greater reliance on AI could reduce opportunities for developers, artists, and other creative professionals. Some also question whether AI-generated content could lead to more games that rely heavily on existing ideas rather than original work.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has publicly supported the use of AI in game development, and the company continues to explore how the technology can be incorporated into its tools and projects.
The competition will run November 12-15. Participants can enter individually or in teams of up to five, using Unreal Engine or Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) to create a playable game based on a theme revealed November 11.
First-place winners in the Best Overall Unreal Engine Game, Best Overall UEFN Game, and Best Student Project categories will each receive $7,500. Other prizes recognize solo developers, team projects, visual design, mobile games, and games featuring AI-powered characters.
Selected projects may also receive grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to continue development after the competition. Epic has confirmed that creators retain ownership of the games they submit.
Developers can participate remotely or attend an optional in-person event at Digital Jungle in San Francisco on November 14-15.
Completed games must be submitted by November 15 at 5:59 p.m. Pacific, along with a short gameplay video. Winners are expected to be announced by January 29, 2027.
Registration and complete competition rules are available on the official Epic AI MegaJam page.
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