Fortnite recently introduced an AI-powered Darth Vader in its Chapter 6: Galactic Battle update, allowing players to interact with the iconic character using voice chat. This new feature, which uses AI-generated voice technology based on James Earl Jones’s voice, has led to a formal labor complaint from the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA.
On May 16, 2025, Epic Games launched this interactive Darth Vader, developed with AI tools from Google and ElevenLabs. James Earl Jones’s estate authorized the voice, eager to preserve the character’s voice for future players. Epic also clarified that player voice data was not stored or used to train the AI.
Shortly after the update, some players provoked the AI into using offensive language, which quickly spread on social media. Epic responded swiftly by fixing the issue within 30 minutes and restricting the feature behind parental controls. Despite these measures, concerns about AI’s role in representing favorite characters, especially in games popular with younger audiences, have grown.
SAG-AFTRA has now filed a formal complaint against Epic Games and Llama Productions, a company involved with Fortnite, alleging that AI-generated voice work replaced union-covered performances without proper notice or negotiation. The union supports estates’ rights like Jones’s but argues that using AI to substitute human performers without union consent violates labor regulations. The complaint highlights a broader issue in the entertainment industry, where AI is increasingly used to replicate performances without clear agreements. SAG-AFTRA’s action could influence how AI is managed in games and other media, potentially requiring companies to negotiate AI use with unions more openly.
Meanwhile, Fortnite continues to face challenges beyond this lawsuit. Despite winning a legal battle against Apple, the game remains unavailable on the iOS App Store, leaving mobile players waiting for access to return.
What do you think about AI voices in games and the impact on voice actors? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
