SAG-AFTRA Files Labor Complaint Against Epic Games Over AI-Generated Darth Vader Voice in Fortnite

The prominent voice acting union SAG-AFTRA has formally filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games—the developer behind the global sensation Fortnite—and its signatory partner, Llama Productions.

The dispute emerged after Fortnite introduced an NPC version of Darth Vader, voiced by an AI-generated reproduction of James Earl Jones’ iconic performance.

This move was part of the recent Star Wars celebration event within the game, which is widely available on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and others. In a public statement posted on its website and referenced by GamesIndustry.biz, SAG-AFTRA expressed appreciation for the evolution of technology in the interactive entertainment sector, stating, “We uphold members’ and their estates’ rights to control the use of their digital likenesses and are open to technological innovation.” However, the union’s central concern is over Epic Games and Llama Productions’ decision “to substitute human performers with artificial intelligence technology.” According to the union, Llama Productions failed to communicate its intent or initiate any collective bargaining process before implementing the change, a step required under labor regulations.

SAG-AFTRA further clarified: “Unfortunately, this decision was made without notifying us of their plans or negotiating appropriate terms.” As a result, the union has officially filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), citing a lack of good-faith bargaining and unilateral changes to working conditions. The charge, highlighted in the NLRB filing, specifies: “In recent months, the employer, through its agents and representatives, declined to bargain in good faith by making unilateral alterations to employment terms—specifically, employing AI-generated voices to undertake bargaining unit work in Fortnite, without notifying or consulting the union.” This action follows the recent update in Fortnite where, as part of its themed Star Wars event, a new Darth Vader character appeared with a voice generated using artificial intelligence—mirroring James Earl Jones’ renowned performance, and, notably, with the permission of the late actor’s family.

Despite this, industry observers and union advocates have raised ethical considerations about relying on AI voices in gaming, especially when human actors have taken on the Darth Vader role in previous productions. SAG-AFTRA, representing roughly 160,000 professionals including voice actors, broadcasters, writers, and more across North America, has been on strike since July 26, 2024.

The ongoing labor action underscores the union’s stance on securing comprehensive protections against unregulated use of AI across all work covered by the Interactive Media Agreement. As more Nintendo Switch players and fans worldwide engage with Fortnite and similar titles available via platforms like the eShop, the conversation around AI, voice rights, and fair labor practices continues to intensify, shaping the future of game development across the industry.

Fortnite Epic Games AI SAG-AFTRA Llama Productions James Earl Jones National Labor Relations Board Nintendo Switch