Fortnite faces complaint from actors' union over AI Darth Vader

Fortnite, a widely popular video game, is currently facing a significant complaint from the actors' union known as Sag-Aftra. The issue revolves around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate the voice of the iconic Star Wars villain, Darth Vader, within the game. Sag-Aftra has raised concerns that Llama Productions, a subsidiary of Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, has opted to replace human performers with AI technology without prior notification or negotiation with the union. This complaint has been formally submitted to the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging that the company made unilateral changes to the terms and conditions of employment by utilizing AI-generated voices to replace the work of human actors. The union argues that this action constitutes a failure to bargain in good faith, which is a fundamental principle in labor relations. In Fortnite, players have the opportunity to engage with Darth Vader, either by battling against him or recruiting him to their team. The game promotes the idea of strategizing with this ultimate Sith Lord, claiming that players can communicate with him using their own voices, and he will respond through conversational AI. Epic Games has stated that the AI voice recreation of Darth Vader would not have been possible without the agreement of James Earl Jones' estate, the late actor who originally voiced the character in the Star Wars films. The family of Jones expressed that he believed the voice of Darth Vader was an integral part of the Star Wars narrative and always wanted fans of all ages to continue experiencing it. They hope that this collaboration with Fortnite will allow both longtime fans and new generations to enjoy this legendary character. Sag-Aftra has welcomed the involvement of its members and the estate of James Earl Jones in controlling how digital replicas are utilized. However, the union emphasizes the importance of being involved in these discussions to ensure that all actors can benefit from such advancements. They stress the need to protect their rights to negotiate terms and conditions regarding the use of voices that replace the work of their members, including those who have previously voiced Darth Vader in video games. This complaint comes at a time when video game and voice actors are increasingly concerned about the implications of AI technology on their livelihoods. Many actors in Hollywood, including prominent figures like Scarlett Johansson, have voiced similar concerns regarding the potential for AI to diminish their work opportunities or replace them entirely. Sag-Aftra, which represents actors across various entertainment sectors, has been actively seeking agreements on terms related to the rights of video game voice actors for some time. Since July, voice actors affiliated with the union have been refusing to work with major companies such as Activision, Disney, Warner Bros, and EA due to issues surrounding the use of generative artificial intelligence. These concerns include the need for assurances regarding the use of digital replicas in video games. Additionally, there are fears that AI technology could be misused in ways that could harm the integrity of the industry. Reports have indicated that Fortnite players have already discovered ways to manipulate Darth Vader's character to use inappropriate language in voice chats, raising further concerns about the potential misuse of AI in gaming. The ongoing strike by SAG-AFTRA members at WB Studios highlights the urgency of these issues, as they advocate for fair treatment and the protection of their rights in an evolving entertainment landscape.