AI Revolution: Breaking the Game Engine Industry's Status Quo (2026)

Three veteran game developers are embarking on an ambitious project to revolutionize the gaming industry with an AI-powered game engine. Arjan Brussee, Sjoerd De Jong, and Michal Valient, the founders of Immens, believe that the current market dominance of Unity and Unreal can be challenged with a new, innovative engine. Their goal is to create a flexible and extensible engine that empowers developers, rather than forcing them to adapt to a monolithic approach.

The trio's expertise is impressive, with backgrounds at major companies like Epic Games, Guerrilla Games, and Apple. They are well-positioned to understand the industry's needs and pain points, particularly the high costs and risks associated with game development. Brussee highlights the current state of the market as "rough," emphasizing the need for new, efficient ways of working.

One of the key advantages of Immens is its AI-driven extensibility. Valient explains that the engine is designed to be highly customizable, allowing developers to add their own tools and features without being limited to scripting. This level of flexibility is particularly appealing to smaller teams and individuals who want to create unique games.

However, the team is aware of the potential pitfalls of AI. Valient acknowledges that the technology can be "really powerful" but also "go off the rails really quickly if you don't pay attention." Immens aims to strike a balance, ensuring that developers remain in control of the engine's functionality and history.

The founders are also mindful of the current economic climate in the gaming industry. They are not overly concerned about a potential bubble bursting, as they believe that AI will ultimately benefit the sector. Valient suggests that while some companies may not survive, the ones that do will be those with good technology and products.

Funding is a key consideration for Immens, and the founders are being strategic about their approach. They have received "first commitments" but are being cautious about excessive funding, which could lead to complacency. Brussee believes that a lean team and reasonable funding are essential to staying agile and hitting the window of opportunity in the market.

Immens is currently working on a proof of concept that will demonstrate the engine's generative AI capabilities. The team is aiming to launch a demo this month, which will showcase the "flow of editing something" using AI. Brussee notes that they are already ahead of schedule, which makes it challenging to provide accurate timelines.

The business model is still being finalized, but Brussee hints at a "we succeed when you succeed" approach, similar to Epic's. Immens aims to create a game engine that empowers developers and pushes the industry forward, fostering creativity and risk-taking. Brussee envisions a future where games are built on this technology, leading to innovative and groundbreaking experiences.

In conclusion, Immens is a promising project that could disrupt the gaming industry. With its AI-powered extensibility and focus on flexibility, the engine has the potential to empower developers and create a new wave of creativity. The founders' expertise and strategic approach to funding and development make Immens a project to watch in the coming years.