For many years, the game‑development landscape has been dominated by two heavyweight engines: Unity and Unreal. In fact, by 2025 roughly 70 % of all titles released on Steam were built with one of those platforms.
While open‑source alternatives like Godot have begun to gain traction, and some large studios continue to rely on proprietary solutions—Capcom’s RE Engine being a notable example—the market has largely settled into a duopoly. Enter Immens, a fledgling company founded by three industry veterans: Arjan Brussee, Sjoerd De Jong, and Michal Valient. Their résumés read like a who’s‑who of game‑tech history, featuring stints at Epic Games (the creators of Unreal), Guerrilla Games, Boss Key, and even Apple. Together they see a clear opening for a fresh engine that not only competes with the established players but also addresses the shortcomings that have begun to frustrate developers of all sizes.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Brussee explained that the timing feels right for a new platform because “the tools that existed a few years ago simply don’t exist anymore.” He believes that advances in AI‑assisted programming now make it feasible to start building a game engine from the ground up without the massive overhead that traditionally accompanied such an undertaking. “With the right amount of guidance and control, we can deliver a fully functional system much faster than before,” he said.
Valient, Immens’s chief technology officer, is quick to clarify that the AI component is not about generating content through vague prompts. Instead, the AI is woven into the engine’s architecture to make the codebase highly extensible.
“AI excels at reasoning over large amounts of data and source code,” he noted. “If we design the engine with that capability in mind, even solo developers or tiny teams can plug in custom features—say, a bespoke particle system—without being limited to a narrow scripting layer.” This approach aims to let creators augment the engine itself, rather than merely using it as a static tool. The motivation behind Immens’s AI‑centric engine is rooted in the current economic pressures facing game studios.
Brussee describes the environment as “rough,” pointing out that development costs keep climbing, making it increasingly difficult for independent creators to break even. He asks, “How can we break out of that cycle? Can we discover new, more efficient workflows that let us build games with fewer people, tighter budgets, and shorter timelines?” The answer, according to the founders, lies in leveraging AI to streamline repetitive tasks and accelerate iteration. De Jong, the chief product officer, observes that the engine market has become overly standardized and consolidated.
While that consolidation has provided a stable foundation, it has also stifled innovation. “The industry now faces a series of challenges, and simply repeating the old methods won’t solve them,” he argues.
“What we need is genuine innovation, not more of the same.” He criticizes the current “monolithic” nature of major engines, which force developers to conform to proprietary file formats and rigid pipelines. By contrast, an AI‑aware engine could adapt to the developer’s workflow, allowing for interchangeable modules, custom tools, and personalized interfaces tailored to specific project needs. Valient acknowledges that AI is a double‑edged sword. While it offers powerful capabilities, it can also produce unpredictable results if left unchecked.
To mitigate this risk, Immens is building transparency into the engine: users will be able to see exactly what the AI is doing, review its decision history, and ensure that processes are repeatable. This level of control is crucial for maintaining artistic intent and avoiding the “black‑box” pitfalls that some fear with generative technologies.
Flexibility is a core design principle for Immens. De Jong emphasizes that the engine will not impose a single workflow. “You decide how much AI you want to incorporate and where,” he says.
“The architecture is deliberately open so you can choose the tools, shortcuts, and interfaces that fit your team’s expertise.” By embracing open standards—text‑based file formats that any software can read—the engine aims to play nicely with existing tools like Blender, Maya, or other generative pipelines. “When everything speaks a common language, integration becomes seamless,” Brussee adds.
The broader conversation about AI in game development is polarized. Some commentators on platforms like LinkedIn hype the idea that a simple prompt could spawn a Grand‑Theft‑Auto‑scale experience, fueling fear and skepticism. Immens’s team tempers those extremes, positioning AI as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement for human creativity. Valient believes that AI will ultimately make developers better, even if the term currently carries negative connotations due to its disruptive potential.
Economic concerns also loom large. Critics warn that the AI boom could be a bubble, with inflated valuations and unsustainable hype.
Valient draws a parallel to the dot‑com era, noting that while many companies vanished, the underlying technology— the internet—persisted and flourished. “AI isn’t disappearing,” he asserts.
“Our focus is on building a solid engine that leverages AI to accelerate development, not on chasing fleeting valuations.” Funding remains modest. Immens has secured its “first commitments” but has not disclosed amounts, describing the capital as “reasonable.” Brussee cautions against over‑funding, noting that excessive cash can breed complacency. The company deliberately remains lean, consisting of the three founders and a handful of helpers, to stay scrappy and focused.
Scaling an engine development effort is a delicate balance. De Jong explains that throwing a large team at the problem doesn’t guarantee success; a small, dedicated group can make more thoughtful decisions and iterate faster. Yet the team also recognizes a narrow window of opportunity as AI reshapes the industry. They must secure enough resources to seize that moment without diluting their vision.
Immens is currently working toward a proof‑of‑concept demo that showcases a generative‑AI‑driven editing workflow. The goal is to release this demo within the month, demonstrating how AI can assist in real‑time content creation.
Brussee notes that the timeline has already outpaced their original expectations—what they thought would take until year‑end is now progressing at double speed. Regarding the business model, Immens admires Epic Games’ “we succeed when you succeed” philosophy but admits it is too early to define a concrete revenue strategy. The founders hope that, once the engine proves its value, a mutually beneficial partnership model will emerge. Ultimately, the trio’s ambition transcends technology; it’s about revitalizing the art form itself.
“We love games and want to see more daring, creative expressions,” Brussee concludes. “If our engine can lower barriers, encourage risk‑taking, and spark innovation, that would be amazing for the whole industry."