A Major Complaint Heads Epic Games' Way

The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has launched a significant complaint against Epic Games over its use of artificial intelligence to recreate the iconic voice of Darth Vader in the blockbuster game Fortnite.

This complaint raises serious concerns about the replacement of human performers with AI technology, as SAG-AFTRA claims that Epic's subsidiary, Llama Productions, proceeded without consulting the union or discussing terms.

Darth Vader: An Unrivaled Creation Through AI

In Fortnite, players can engage in epic battles with Darth Vader, recruit him to their teams, and interact using a sophisticated conversational AI that mimics his sinister tone. Epic Games boasts that this AI-driven recreation wouldn't have been possible without the approval of the estate of James Earl Jones, the legendary voice behind the character.

The estate expressed their hope that this collaboration would allow both long-time and new fans of Star Wars to enjoy the character's thrilling presence in the game.

Union Stands Strong for Artists' Rights

While SAG-AFTRA has welcomed the involvement of artists' estates in controlling their digital likenesses, it emphasizes the necessity for broader actor participation to ensure fair terms and benefits.

The union stated, "We must protect our right to negotiate terms and conditions about the use of voices that replace the work of our members, especially from those who once perfectly matched Darth Vader's distinct rhythm and tone in gaming."

A Growing Concern in Hollywood and Gaming

The complaint highlights a growing wave of anxiety among voice actors and their counterparts in Hollywood regarding AI's capability to undercut their roles or entirely substitute them. Celebrities like Scarlett Johansson have voiced concerns over their digital likenesses potentially being manipulated through generative AI.

SAG-AFTRA, which protects actors across various media, has pursued better agreements around video game voice actor rights amid ongoing strikes since last year.

A Call to Action: Voice Actors Unite Against AI Usage

Since July, voice actors associated with SAG-AFTRA have refused to collaborate with major companies like Activision, Disney, Warner Bros, and EA over issues related to generative AI and the use of digital replicas in games. Concerns also abound regarding AI's potential misuse; reports suggest that Fortnite players are already exploring ways to manipulate Darth Vader's character inappropriately during voice chats.

As the industry navigates these turbulent waters, the dialogue surrounding the intersection of technology and creativity becomes ever more critical.