Star Wars antagonist Darth Vader has only been in Epic Games’ Fortnite for a few days, but the studio’s decision to incorporate actor James Earl Jones using generative AI has resulted in more problems than praise.
On Monday, after players spent the weekend sharing snippets of playable Vaders uttering slurs, swears, and other disconcerting sentiments, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) announced it would pursue Fortnite signatory Llama Productions. However, the group’s complaint focuses not so much on the masked villain’s obscenity-laden tirades and more on how the production company swapped union-bargained voice work with generative AI, breaking mutually agreed-upon terms and conditions.
In a statement released on SAG-AFTRA’s website, the group details its unfair labor practice (ULP) filing with the National Labor Relations Board. The group says Llama Productions “chose to replace the work of human performers with A.I. technology … without providing any notice of their intent to do this and without bargaining with us over appropriate terms.” The group’s statement continues:
“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 those 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.”
SAG-AFTRA, an American labor union formed in 2012, represents roughly 160,000 workers throughout media and entertainment, its members ranging from actors and announcers to puppeteers and DJs.
Fortnite shared a statement from the family of Vader actor James Earl Jones on their website:
“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 enjoyment of this iconic character.”
This is a developing story. Check out SAG-AFTRA’s formal filing with the National Labor Relations Board for a more in-depth look.
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A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.
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