A New Approach to Software Development
Eight years after entering the digital storefront market, Epic Games is attempting to gain a competitive edge over Valve’s Steam with a redesigned launcher built using a process the company calls “vibe coding.” The new preview build, which is now publicly available, represents a complete rearchitecture of the platform, moving away from the legacy code base in favor of a new tech stack.
According to reports by Ars Technica, Epic Games Store General Manager and VP Martin Keely explained that the team started from scratch, utilizing AI as a tool to write and review features. The goal was to replicate existing functionality without carrying over the original code, allowing for a more efficient development cycle that supports Windows, Mac, and an upcoming Linux version.
Performance and Feature Set
Epic’s marketing for the new launcher emphasizes speed, with social media posts claiming the software is “faster than the other guy.” Independent testing by Ars Technica confirmed that the new launcher achieves a cold start to the store page several seconds faster than Steam. However, other performance claims—such as a 0.06-second improvement in restoring from the system tray—were found to be largely unnoticeable.
While the new launcher is faster, Epic acknowledges that the preview is currently “light on features.” Certain social and account management tools from the legacy version are missing, though the update does introduce new additions such as a Recent Games list and a centralized downloads hub. The company stated it is working toward full feature parity with the previous version.
The ‘AI-First’ Pivot
The release of the new launcher aligns with a broader strategic shift at Epic Games. CEO Tim Sweeney recently confirmed that the company is moving toward an “AI-first” development model. This pivot, which reportedly includes retooling teams for upcoming projects like a Marvel and Star Wars-themed shooter, aims to leverage AI to enable developers to build more complex software more efficiently.
As the launcher remains in a preview state, Epic has cautioned users that the software may contain bugs and is actively soliciting feedback to refine the experience before a full rollout.