SAG-AFTRA Files Unfair Labor Practice Complaint Against Epic Games Due To A.I. Darth Vader

SAG-AFTRA Files Labor Complaint Against Epic Over Fortnite’s Darth Vader AI Voice

Last week, Fortnite users discovered that Epic Games had integrated a Darth Vader non-player character (NPC) into the battle royale game, complete with an AI-generated voice. This AI, trained using recordings of James Earl Jones, the renowned voice of Vader from the Star Wars franchise, quickly became a source of controversy. Players manipulated the NPC to utter profanities and slurs. Now, SAG-AFTRA has lodged an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Llama Productions, an Epic-owned company.

AI Voice Replacement Leads to Unfair Labor Practice Claim

The core of the complaint isn’t solely the utilization of AI for Vader’s voice. SAG-AFTRA contends that Epic replaced union-negotiated voice acting roles with this AI technology without prior notification, violating the terms and conditions purportedly established between SAG-AFTRA and Epic.

The complaint against Llama Productions states:

“Within the past six months, the Employer, by its agents and representatives, 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.”

SAG-AFTRA’s Stance on Digital Replicas and AI Voice Technology

In a subsequent statement, SAG-AFTRA emphasized:

“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 these 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.”

The union alleges that Llama Productions opted for AI technology over human performers, failing to inform SAG-AFTRA or negotiate appropriate terms. This perceived lack of communication has prompted the filing of the unfair labor practice complaint with the NLRB.

The Estate of James Earl Jones Supports the AI Initiative

Notably, James Earl Jones’s family has acknowledged the inclusion of an AI-trained voice in Fortnite and released a statement explaining:

“James Earl felt that the voice of Darth Vader was inseparable from the story of Star Wars, and he always wanted fans of all ages to continue to experience it. We hope that this collaboration with Fortnite will allow both longtime fans of Darth Vader and newer generations to share in the excitement of this iconic character.”

Epic Games has been contacted for commentary regarding the situation.