Epic Games Launches $65,000 AI Game Jam Amidst Backlash Over 'Vibe Coding' Pivot
Epic Games has launched the 2026 Epic AI MegaJam, a four-day competition offering $65,000 in total prizes for games built using AI tools. The event, running from November 12 to 15, allows teams of up to five people to use any AI assistance they wish, though initial rules requiring AI use were quickly reversed. This move follows Epic's recent shift to 'AI-first' development for internal projects, including a delayed Disney shooter and a new launcher, sparking significant criticism from the gaming community.