Epic Games introduces automated 3D tagging to help detect IP violations in Fortnite

Tech Crunch - Apr 2nd, 2025
Open on Tech Crunch

Epic Games has introduced a new AI-driven integration called Loci to streamline the tagging of 3D assets and detect potential intellectual property violations. Loci employs computer vision models to automatically tag 3D content, reducing the manual effort required and making it easier for creators to manage and share their work. This integration will be implemented across Epic's ecosystem, including the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) and Fab, the digital asset marketplace. With its ability to identify possible IP infringements, Loci addresses a recurring issue for Fortnite, where unauthorized elements from popular intellectual properties have been utilized by players.

The launch of Loci marks a significant advancement in content management for digital creators who often juggle a vast array of assets. The automatic tagging feature not only saves time but also enhances the discoverability of content, empowering creators to efficiently organize and promote their work. Additionally, the integration's capability to flag potential IP violations holds crucial implications for creators and the gaming industry at large, as it helps protect intellectual property rights and fosters a more compliant creative environment. This move by Epic Games reflects a growing trend towards leveraging AI to solve complex challenges in digital content creation and management.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively communicates the recent integration of Loci technology by Epic Games, highlighting its benefits for creators and potential to address IP violations. It is timely and clear, with a straightforward presentation that makes it accessible to a broad audience. The story is well-supported by credible sources, although it would benefit from additional perspectives and expert opinions to enhance its balance and depth. While it engages readers interested in technology and gaming, its impact is somewhat limited by the lack of exploration of potential challenges or controversies associated with AI integration. Overall, the article provides a solid overview of the topic, but could be improved by incorporating a wider range of viewpoints and more detailed analysis.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The news story accurately reports on Epic Games' integration of Loci technology into their ecosystem. The claim that Loci will automate the tagging of 3D assets and help detect IP violations is consistent with the company's announcement. The integration across the Epic ecosystem, including Unreal Editor for Fortnite and Fab, is also correctly described. However, the story briefly mentions past IP issues in Fortnite involving Mario Kart and Shrek, which lacks direct verification and could be anecdotal. Overall, the story's factual claims are well-supported by the cited sources, but the specific examples of IP issues need further substantiation.

7
Balance

The story presents a balanced view of the new technology integration, focusing on both the benefits for creators and the potential for addressing IP violations. However, it primarily highlights the positive aspects of the integration without discussing any potential drawbacks or challenges, such as privacy concerns or the accuracy of the AI in detecting IP violations. Including perspectives from creators or legal experts could provide a more rounded view of the implications of this technology.

9
Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to understand, with a clear structure that logically presents the information. The language is straightforward and free of jargon, making it accessible to a general audience. The story effectively communicates the main points without unnecessary complexity, contributing to its clarity and readability.

8
Source quality

The article appears to rely on credible sources, such as official announcements from Epic Games, to substantiate its claims. However, the story does not directly cite any external sources or experts, which could enhance the reliability of the information. The reliance on primary sources from the company itself suggests a high level of credibility, but the inclusion of independent expert opinions would strengthen the overall source quality.

6
Transparency

The story provides a clear explanation of the integration and its intended benefits. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology or criteria used by Loci's AI technology to tag assets and detect IP violations. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as financial ties between the publication and Epic Games, which would be important for readers to understand the context of the reporting.

Sources

  1. https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/news/loci-is-now-a-part-of-epic-games
  2. https://dev.epicgames.com/documentation/en-us/uefn/34-20-fortnite-ecosystem-updates-and-release-notes
  3. https://dev.epicgames.com/documentation/en-us/uefn/33-20-fortnite-ecosystem-updates-and-release-notes-in-creative-and-unreal-editor-for-fortnite
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKRT7CcA8oY