Darth Vader in Fortnite, New AI Controversy Explained

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Darth Vader in Fortnite, New AI Controversy Explained

Fortnite has once again somehow managed to put itself amidst major controversy, and this time it’s because of putting AI Darth Vader in their game. No, it isn’t about Darth Vader dropping the F-bomb; rather, it’s much more serious. SAG-AFTRA has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games’ subsidiary Llama Productions.

According to them, Epic didn’t comply with the union before implementing the feature in the game. That’s not very “Epic” of them, ba-dum-tss. Jokes aside, it is a serious matter for Epic Games, and doesn’t really paint them in a good light. If not dealt with, some serious actions may be taken against them.

Fortnite gets hit with a ULP filing for the use of AI Darth Vader

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AI Darth Vader was added to Fortnite recently as a way to tribute the original actor, late James Earl Jones. The AI model is powered by

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Gemini 2.0 and trained using Flash v2.5 by ElevenLabs. However, it has sparked controversy, as it replaces other voice actors who’ve acted as Darth Vader.

However, the late James Earl Jones himself signed over his Darth Vader voice rights. So there shouldn’t be any issue if companies use his voice for future projects. However, it does pose a threat to existing actors as they can seemingly be replaced due to AI. SAG-AFTRA and the National Labor Relations Board are strictly against that.

SAG-AFTRA has Llama Productions as an official signatory to the collective. So they are legally responsible and bound to follow the union’s terms regarding the employment of performers. They even stated the same in

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:

We celebrate the right of our members and their estates to control the use of their digital replicas and welcome the use of new technologies to allow new generations to share in the enjoyment of those legacies and renowned roles. However, we must protect our right to bargain terms and conditions around uses of voice that replace the work of our members, including those who previously did the work of matching Darth Vader’s iconic rhythm and tone in video games.

It is apparent that the labor union didn’t like the fact that Epic Games used the feature without asking them. If the idea was presented, it could have been outright denied. Moreover, the AI model dropping the F-bomb doesn’t help the situation.

SAG-AFTRA has been vocal against the use of AI, and this legal came during their ongoing

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. So, Epic Games might have to remove the feature or have to pay a fine.

What does the Union want from Epic Games?

The union wishes to protect the people who come under their jurisdiction. Moreover, the late James Earl Jones isn’t the only person who has played the role of Darth Vader. Yet, Fortnite used the late actor’s voice instead of hiring someone else.

Other voice actors can replicate similar vocals to fit Darth Vader. For instance, Scott Lawrence played the role in EA’s Jedi Survivor, and Epic could have hired him instead of using AI if they really wanted the OG Vader punch. SAG-AFTRA reinforces its stand against the use of AI by stating the following:

Fortnite’s signatory company, Llama Productions, chose to replace the work of human performers with A.I. technology. Unfortunately, they did so without providing any notice of their intent to do this and without bargaining with us over appropriate terms. As such, we have filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB against Llama Productions. 

Not just the gaming industry, but many others are trying to implement AI to make processes easier. However, replacing the human workforce where it isn’t required means robbing them of jobs.

In the end, companies will make more profits while getting rid of certain people. That is not the future SAG-AFTRA wants to pursue.

Do you think this legal action from SAG-AFTRA against Epic Games’ subsidiary, Llama Productions, makes sense? Will Epic Games get charged seriously for such use cases? Let us know in the comments below.

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