SAG-AFTRA files complaint over Fortnite for using AI in Darth Vader voice

On Monday, the Hollywood actors' union accused Llama Productions of engaging in unfair labor practices by utilizing artificial intelligence to create Darth Vader's voice in Fortnite without providing the actors with prior knowledge. The gaming behemoth Epic Games' subsidiary Llama Productions, "failed and refused to bargain in good faith with the union" throughout the past six months, according to the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. 

According to SAG-AFTRA, the firm replaced bargaining unit work with AI-generated voices, making unilateral changes to the terms and circumstances of employment "without providing notice to the union or the opportunity to bargain." An inquiry for comment was not immediately answered by Epic Games. After almost a year of discussions over the union's interactive media agreement fell due to worries over the use of uncontrolled artificial intelligence, SAG-AFTRA declared a strike against major gaming firms in July.

SAG-AFTRA stated in a statement that it supports members' and their estates' rights to manage how their digital reproductions are used. "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 said. 

Also Read: Roblox's Grow a Garden breaks many records

SAG-AFTRA concerns over Fortnite

Since July 26, 2024, SAG-AFTRA employees have been striking against employers in the video game industry. Contractual disagreement negotiations have advanced, but the main snag is AI safeguards.  The main argument in SAG-AFTRA's unfair labor practice complaint against Llama Productions is that voice performers might lose their jobs due to AI-generated voices.

Similar treatment was given to Mark Hamill's face in The Mandalorian, even though the actor beneath the computer-generated imagery already bore a striking resemblance to Luke Skywalker. While Alden Ehrenreich did a more than adequate job as Han Solo in Solo, Star Wars seems to have a strange desire to preserve its characters as they were in the original film. Vader, played by James Earl Jones, is as iconic a role as they come, but SAG-AFTRA has valid concerns about the role because it was cast in Fortnite.

Check Out: Czech Prime Minister gets Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 as gift