Epic Games Releases AI-Built Test Launcher With Linux Support
Epic Games released a new, AI-built test version of its PC launcher for Windows, macOS, and Linux, acknowledging in a blog post that coding is difficult and that the application was "vibecoded" to achieve faster speeds and a lighter background footprint.
A Speedboat Instead of a Yacht
The preview build, which ITavisen reported on, changes the fundamental way the digital storefront's client was built. Rather than relying entirely on traditional programming methods, Epic Games stated that it used artificial intelligence to generate the new Epic Games Launcher, producing software that it describes as a speedboat rather than a yacht due to its streamlined feature set.
We vibe coded the Epic Games Launcher to be faster than the other guy.Don't believe us? Test it out for yourself in Preview:https://t.co/pdtAeEIri4 pic.twitter.com/aMxojUUVPV
Social Media Backlash Meets Verified Performance Gains
The test client has drawn sharp comparisons on social media to Valve’s dominant Steam platform. After Epic Games posted on X claiming its new client runs faster than competing software, users questioned how quickly the program could be uninstalled and argued that Steam’s decade-spanning feature accumulation cannot be fairly matched against a stripped-down competitor.
At the same time, independent testers confirmed significant performance gains. Streamer Ancient Gameplays tested the preview and noted that the client starts up rapidly from a cold run, responds immediately to menu inputs, automatically discovers games already installed on the host machine, and displays titles from competing platforms within a unified library.
New Interface Adds Custom Collections and Real-Time Search
The redesigned application introduces several practical updates alongside its underlying generative code base. Users can choose between grid and list views, organize custom collections, pin favorites to the top menu bar, and use real-time search and filtering that updates dynamically as text is typed.
Epic Adds Cross-Platform Voice Chat and Linux Support
A dedicated game page aggregates status, activity, and launch controls in one place, while a revamped download manager details active, queued, scheduled, and failed transfers alongside current speeds. The application also adds cross-platform voice chat connecting users across Fortnite, the Epic Games Store, and the standalone app.
While the preview build brings official Linux support for the client software itself, Epic Games confirmed that native Linux support for Fortnite will follow at a later date.