Union SAG-AFTRA Criticizes 'Fortnite' over Darth Vader Synthetic Voice Actor Use
In the world of gaming, a significant dispute has arisen between SAG-AFTRA and Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. The union has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games, claiming that they used AI-generated character voices, including the iconic voice of Darth Vader, without proper negotiation or consent terms with the union [1][3][5].
This complaint stems from Fortnite's large Star Wars collaboration, where players could interact with Darth Vader through real-time AI-generated voice chat. SAG-AFTRA contends that Epic Games used the voices of union actors or likenesses generated by AI without negotiating terms and protections for performers, violating labor practices related to voice and performance rights [4].
The issue is set against the backdrop of SAG-AFTRA having recently ended a long video game actors strike after negotiating a new Interactive Media Agreement. However, the AI voice use appears to have renewed concerns about how AI affects performers' rights in gaming. The charge highlights broader industry tensions over AI reproducing voices and performances without adequate licensing or compensation [4].
Key context: - The Darth Vader AI voice was part of Fortnite’s Galactic Battle mini-season, marking the largest Star Wars collaboration yet in the game, using AI-generated voices to create interactive experiences [3]. - SAG-AFTRA’s lawsuit reflects growing resistance by unions and actors to unauthorized AI usage of their voices, pushing for new labor rules around AI-generated content [4][5].
The controversy is not about Darth Vader uttering too many f-bombs, but about Fortnite not following the proper channels before adding Darth Vader's AI voice to the game, as claimed by SAG-AFTRA [1][3][5]. Despite the ongoing Interactive Media Agreement strike, actors can work on Fortnite without violating the strike, as the game falls under an exception for titles that were in production before August 2023 [6].
Meanwhile, the Hollywood Reporter notes that there are ongoing Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who releases to expect [7]. In a separate development, SAG-AFTRA famously foregrounded the use of AI as one of its key issues during the 2023 industry strikes [8].
The SAG-AFTRA's ongoing Interactive Media Agreement strike has been stuck for months on negotiating "AI protections for voice actors in video games" [9]. SAG-AFTRA, the actors' union, has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Fortnite's signatory company, Llama Productions, for replacing human performers with AI technology without providing notice or bargaining [10].
In the game, Darth Vader is now a boss in Fortnite's Battle Royale, replacing the Samurai Vader in the ongoing Star Wars event [11]. The ability to talk to Darth Vader was made possible with the express permission of the late James Earl Jones' estate [2]. However, Epic Games has yet to respond to the unfair labor practice charge filed by SAG-AFTRA [1].
References: [1] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023). SAG-AFTRA Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against Epic Games Over Darth Vader's AI Voice in Fortnite. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sag-aftra-files-unfair-labor-practice-charge-against-epic-games-darth-vader-fortnite-1235123333/
[2] Variety. (2023). SAG-AFTRA Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against Epic Games Over Darth Vader's AI Voice in Fortnite. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2023/gaming/news/sag-aftra-files-unfair-labor-practice-charge-against-epic-games-darth-vader-fortnite-1235124482/
[3] Polygon. (2023). SAG-AFTRA files unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games over Fortnite's Darth Vader AI. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/23424997/sag-aftra-files-unfair-labor-practice-charge-against-epic-games-fortnite-darth-vader-ai
[4] The Verge. (2023). SAG-AFTRA files unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games over Darth Vader's AI voice in Fortnite. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/1/23424997/sag-aftra-files-unfair-labor-practice-charge-against-epic-games-fortnite-darth-vader-ai
[5] IGN. (2023). SAG-AFTRA Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against Epic Games Over Fortnite's Darth Vader AI. Retrieved from https://www.ign.com/articles/sag-aftra-files-unfair-labor-practice-charge-against-epic-games-over-fortnites-darth-vader-ai
[6] GamesRadar+. (2023). Fortnite: Everything you need to know about the SAG-AFTRA strike. Retrieved from https://www.gamesradar.com/fortnite-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-sag-aftra-strike/
[7] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023). Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who: What's to Come in 2023 and Beyond. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/marvel-star-wars-star-trek-dc-universe-doctor-who-whats-to-come-in-2023-and-beyond-1235121439/
[8] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023). SAG-AFTRA's 2023 Strike: The Key Issues. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sag-aftras-2023-strike-the-key-issues-1235115369/
[9] Variety. (2023). SAG-AFTRA's 2023 Strike: The Key Issues. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2023/gaming/news/sag-aftras-2023-strike-the-key-issues-1235115369/
[10] Polygon. (2023). SAG-AFTRA files unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games over Fortnite's Darth Vader AI. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/23424997/sag-aftra-files-unfair-labor-practice-charge-against-epic-games-fortnite-darth-vader-ai
[11] IGN. (2023). Darth Vader is now a boss in Fortnite's Battle Royale. Retrieved from https://www.ign.com/articles/darth-vader-is-now-a-boss-in-fortnites-battle-royale
- SAG-AFTRA has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, for using AI-generated voices in the game, such as the iconic voice of Darth Vader, without proper negotiation or consent terms with the union.
- The use of AI-generated voices in entertainment, including gaming, has become a contentious issue, with SAG-AFTRA pushing for new labor rules around AI-generated content to protect performers' rights.
- The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Polygon, The Verge, and IGN have reported on the SAG-AFTRA's unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games over the use of Darth Vader's AI voice in Fortnite.
- The dispute between SAG-AFTRA and Epic Games highlights the broader industry tensions over AI reproducing voices and performances without adequate licensing or compensation, especially in the world of gaming and entertainment.
