The Screen Actors Guild of America has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor regarding the AI-generated voiceover of Darth Vader in Fortnite
The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) believes that Epic Games and its subsidiary, Llama Productions, have violated American labor law. They perceived a violation in the addition of an AI companion in Fortnite, represented as Darth Vader, using the voice of the late actor James Earl Jones.
Fortnite
The neural network-based Darth Vader appeared in Fortnite on May 16. According to Epic Games, Jones's voice is used in the game with the permission of the actor's heirs. However, this argument does not satisfy the Guild.
In an official statement, the Guild stated that Epic Games and Llama Productions should have negotiated not only with Jones's heirs but also with SAG-AFTRA. By including AI voice acting in Fortnite without consulting the Guild, the companies have disregarded the rights of those actors who previously voiced Darth Vader in other games. This, according to the Guild, indicates unfair labor practices.
The Guild has already filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Epic Games and Llama Productions have not publicly commented on the Guild's complaint.