Epic Games is facing criticism from SAG-AFTRA for using AI to replicate Darth Vader’s voice in Fortnite. The union claims the iconic voice was created without employing a voice actor or obtaining union approval, raising significant ethical and legal issues. “This is exactly the kind of situation we’ve been warning about,” a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson stated. “Studios using AI to replace union performers set a dangerous precedent for the industry.”
The Vader voice features in Fortnite’s newest Star Wars content, allowing players to interact with the iconic Sith Lord during in-game events. After defeating a boss, players can have conversations with the Darth Vader AI as if speaking to a real person. Instead of hiring a licensed voice actor, Epic reportedly used AI trained on archival audio to recreate the voice. While the technology may seem impressive, the union argues that this approach undermines the fundamental principles of fair pay and proper credit.
Fortnite Hit with Unfair Labor Complaint Over AI Voice Technology Use
SAG-AFTRA emphasizes that this issue goes beyond a single character or game. They are concerned about the growing use of AI as a shortcut that bypasses human labor. The union’s complaint alleges that Epic failed to consult or negotiate with performers, which they view as a clear violation of labor regulations. Their worry is not only economic but also existential if studios can create voice performances without actors, what’s to stop them from excluding artists altogether?
This dispute touches the core of ongoing industry tensions. In 2023, SAG-AFTRA reached agreements with several studios regarding AI voice work, establishing safeguards to protect performers. However, Fortnite’s use of AI-generated Darth Vader ventures into uncertain ground. While James Earl Jones, who passed away in 2024, had signed a voice rights deal before his death, the union’s complaint isn’t focused on the technical use of his voice it’s about the broader implications of bypassing union talent altogether.
In Fortnite’s latest Star Wars season, Darth Vader returned as a boss character. The in-game AI version uses Google’s Gemini 2.0 to generate dialogue and employs ElevenLabs’ Flash v2.5 model to deliver real-time voice responses.
The model powering Darth Vader’s AI voice is trained on archived recordings of the late James Earl Jones. In its filing with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), SAG-AFTRA stated that Llama Productions “failed and refused to bargain in good faith with the union by making unilateral changes to terms and conditions of employment, without providing notice to the union or the opportunity to bargain, by utilizing AI-generated voices to replace bargaining unit work on the Interactive Program Fortnite.”
The union is drawing a firm line: using AI to recreate voices without clear digital agreements is unacceptable. While the gaming industry often celebrates synthetic performances as technological milestones, labor groups see them as a serious threat one that could redefine how talent is valued in the age of AI.
What’s your take on SAG-AFTRA’s complaint against Fortnite over the AI-generated Darth Vader? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
