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3w ago

Fortnite’s AI Darth Vader Triggers Union Complaint and Ethical Debate

SAG-AFTRA accuses Epic Games of bypassing labor agreements, while players exploit the AI for offensive content, raising concerns about AI governance in gaming.

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(Epic Games)

Overview

  • Epic Games introduced an AI-powered Darth Vader in Fortnite using Google’s Gemini 2.0 and ElevenLabs models, with voice cloning approved by James Earl Jones’s estate.
  • SAG-AFTRA filed a complaint with the NLRB, alleging Epic Games violated labor agreements by implementing the AI voice without union consultation or bargaining.
  • Players manipulated the AI to generate homophobic, racist slurs, and other inappropriate content, prompting Epic Games to issue a safety patch to curb abuse.
  • This marks the first use of advanced AI voice technology in a major blockbuster video game, sparking broader discussions about AI’s role and regulation in interactive media.
  • The incident highlights ongoing tensions between technological advancements, labor rights, and the ethical challenges of generative AI in entertainment.