Epic Games says it vibe coded new launcher because “programming is hard”

Epic Games has revealed a new version of its launcher, describing it as “vibe coded” because “programming is hard.”

Announced on October 14, 2026, the redesigned Epic Games Launcher promises faster loading times, a new look, and improved features for managing games.

The new launcher is available in preview on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with Epic also claiming it performs faster than Steam.

Epic Games claims new launcher is faster than Steam

In its announcement, Epic explained why it decided to vibe code the new launcher, a process that uses AI to generate code.

“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 did not reveal which AI tools were used to create the launcher.

The company also joked about the preview’s limited features, saying, “This first release is light on features. Think of it as a speedboat and not a yacht! Though it does have advanced digital commerce technology such as a shopping cart.”

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According to testing commissioned by Epic, the new launcher takes 5.47 seconds to open the store from a cold start, compared to Steam’s 10.07 seconds, making it 46% faster.

It also takes 0.36 seconds to restore the game library from the system tray, compared to Steam’s 0.42 seconds.

Other improvements include a redesigned game library, better search tools, customizable layouts, and more detailed download information.

Players can also connect their PC game libraries and use party and voice chat features across Fortnite and Epic’s other services.

How to try the new Epic Games Launcher

The new Epic Games Launcher is available to download in preview on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Players can sign in with their existing Epic Games account, and their purchased games, installed titles, cloud saves, and progress will carry over.

However, Epic recommends that Fortnite and Rocket League players continue using the original launcher for now, as some features are still being developed.

The company also revealed plans to bring Fortnite to Linux by rebuilding Easy Anti-Cheat to support the operating system.

“Once it’s working with a critical mass of distro maintainers, we’ll bring Fortnite to Linux via the Epic Games Launcher.”

Epic has not announced when the finished launcher will be released, but says more features and improvements are coming throughout the preview.

The new launcher also arrives just days after reports that Epic Games had ordered developers working on an upcoming Marvel and Star Wars shooter to adopt an “AI-first” approach.

According to Bloomberg, developers were instructed to use AI tools such as Anthropic’s Claude to generate code and artwork after the Disney collaboration was delayed.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney later confirmed the company’s broader push toward AI, saying the goal was to help developers create more content rather than reduce its workforce.