The existence of an AI Darth Vader inFortnitehas prompted a legal challenge from SAG-AFTRA. Llama Productions/Epic Games did not notify the union regarding the decision to use a computerized voice over a flesh-and-blood actor.
Darth Vader appearing in Fortnite is nothing new, but the version appearing in theGalactic Battle Seasonhas something extra. Those who beat Darth Vader in the Battle Royale mode can recruit him to their team, and it’s possible to have limited discussions with him, as he has conversational AI.
The Battle Royale Genre Is Dying, But Fortnite Seems Immune
The numbers don’t lie, Fortnite’s handling this very well.
It seems that Llama Productions jumped the gun byincluding the AI voice. According toGamesIndustry.biz, SAG-AFTRA has filed an unfair labor practice against Epic Games for the use of the voice. The details of the claim and associated document can be found on theSAG-AFTRAwebsite.
Wait, Didn’t Epic Get Permission To Use The Darth Vader Voice?
The iconic voice of Darth Vader was provided by James Earl Jones. Before he retired from acting in 2022, he sold the rights for his voice to be used with AI for Star Wars projects. This is what was used for the Obi-Wan TV show and for Fortnite. Epic Games confirmed that they havepermission from Jones’ estateto use the voice.
However, the companyfailed to notify SAG-AFTRAof the decision to use an AI voice, nor did they attempt to bargain with the union at all, as a role was being taken away from a real actor, despite having permission to use the Darth Vader voice.
It’s unclear how this situation can be resolved, especially as theAI Darth Vader appearanceis only intended to be temporary. It might shut down future attempts to include AI voices in games, or at least make it a lot more difficult without involving the union.
Fortnite Galactic Battle Starts May 2 With New Event; Updates Incoming Up To June
One fan theory is realized by this epic crossover.
WHERE TO PLAY
