Epic Games is moving toward an AI-first development strategy, integrating new features into its Unreal Engine software. CEO Tim Sweeney recently confirmed that the company plans to update its End User License Agreement to permit AI training on content generated through Unreal Engine and MetaHuman tools.
Currently, the company prohibits using these outputs for AI training. Sweeney noted that while Epic Games intends to remove this restriction, individual developers will retain the right to set their own terms regarding AI training for games built with these technologies.
The announcement follows a legal action where Epic Games issued a DMCA takedown against an AI-generated clone of Fortnite. This move has sparked criticism from the gaming community regarding the company's stance on copyright and the use of user-generated content for AI model development.
It remains uncertain whether the data collected from Unreal Engine and MetaHuman outputs will be reserved exclusively for Epic Games' internal AI models or if the company intends to license or sell this information to third-party entities for training purposes.
