SAG-AFTRA has lodged an unfair labor practice complaint concerning the use of AI to portray Darth Vader in the video game Fortnite

The actors' union SAG-AFTRA, which represents a broad array of media professionals, has taken legal action against Llama Productions and Epic Games, filing a charge of unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board. This move comes in response to the use of artificial intelligence to simulate Darth Vader's voice in the video game Fortnite.

SAG-AFTRA acknowledged the importance of artists and their heirs being able to control the use of their digital likenesses, citing the example of James Earl Jones' legacy. Nevertheless, they criticized Epic Games for implementing AI technology in this instance without prior notification or negotiation.

The union emphasized the significance of preserving their ability to negotiate regarding the application of AI that could replace the contributions of human artists, especially those replicating the distinctive style of Darth Vader in gaming.

The statement by SAG-AFTRA highlighted that Llama Productions substituted the work of voice professionals with AI for Fortnite without any prior or necessary discussions, leading to the filing of the labor charge.

The complaint specifies that within the last half-year, Epic Games breached agreements by unilaterally altering employment conditions, bypassing union negotiations, and using AI-generated voices instead of unionized work for Fortnite. GamesIndustry.biz has contacted Epic Games for their perspective on the matter.

SAG-AFTRA had already called for a strike at the end of July after negotiations with the industry regarding AI and performer rights broke down. The union expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with video game companies as of March, citing unresolved issues.

In response to challenges faced by its members, the union introduced new agreements enabling work with both students and game jams. Recently, it countered a proposal from video game employers with an extensive AI-focused proposal, aiming to clarify the implications for performance professionals.