Epic Games Launcher refresh launches with Linux support

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 23:57 · Archive

Epic Games is releasing a preview of a redesigned launcher that it says is faster than Steam and now supports Linux.

Epic Games is releasing a preview build of a redesigned Epic Games Launcher, which the company says is faster and more responsive than the current version, with a new visual design. The new launcher also introduces Linux support for the first time.

The launcher was developed using AI as a tool to write and review features, according to Martin Keely, Epic Games Store VP and GM. Keely told outlets that the team "started from scratch" and used AI to replicate existing functionality in a different code base rather than rewriting the old code itself. Epic described the approach as "vibe coded," stating that "programming is hard" and presenting this as part of its broader pivot toward AI-assisted development announced by CEO Tim Sweeney this week.

Epic is also working to bring Fortnite to Linux through the new launcher. The company previously cited anti-cheat concerns as the reason Fortnite was not available on Linux; its Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) service supports Linux but Fortnite itself did not. Epic said it is rebuilding EAC, calling the new version EAC Linux v2, and plans to pilot it in Fortnite first before making the game available to Linux players via the Epic Games Launcher. The company has not announced a timeline for this release and does not plan to bring Fortnite to Valve's Steam store. Epic is also investigating SteamOS compatibility.

How it is being reported

• Epic says its new vibe-coded Epic Games Launcher is faster than SteamBut the new "Preview" app "will have some bugs," Epic warns.Ars Technica · 14 Oct, 22:15
• Epic’s new games launcher is ‘vibe coded’Epic Games is announcing a big refresh of its PC games launcher today in preview, saying that the new version is "way faster" and now supports Linux. But the company, which has been publicly making a big push into AI-assisted development, also notes that the refresh was "vibe coded." "Programming is hard," Epic says in […]The Verge · 14 Oct, 14:55
• Epic is bringing Fortnite to LinuxEpic is working on bringing Fortnite to Linux through its Epic Games Launcher. The new launcher is releasing in preview today, and for the first time on Linux, and while Fortnite isn't available there just yet, Epic wants to make that a reality. So far, part of the reason Fortnite hasn't been available on Linux […]The Verge · 14 Oct, 14:54

In this story: Epic Games · Tim Sweeney · Martin Keely · Valve · Steam · Fortnite · Linux

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