Latest news with #SithLord
Japan Today
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Actors' union sues Fortnite over AI Darth Vader
The makers of the popular Fortnite game have created an AI version of Darth Vader, using the voice of late actor James Earl Jones that allows players to interact with the Sith Lord An actors' union is suing the makers of the Fortnite video game over the use of AI to create an interactive Darth Vader, it said. Fortnite announced last week it had obtained permission from the family of James Earl Jones to make a chatty "Star Wars" villain based on the late actor's voice work in the smash hit space opera series. Using AI models, developer Epic Games introduced the Emperor's consigliere into Battle Royale, a player-versus-player version of Fortnite in which squads form to defeat other contestants online. Users were quick to adopt the Sith Lord on their missions, posting clips of their interactions with one of cinema's most famous bad guys. Many delighted in the character's apparent wit, laughing as he tells them off for poor technique, or suggesting that they are cheating. "The empire has no need for fast food," he chides one player who asks what his McDonald's order would be. "If I were forced to endure such a culinary experience, I would take a Chicken Selects Meal with large fries and a Coca-Cola drink." But actors' union SAG-AFTRA was not amused, claiming the use of AI in video games puts performers out of work. "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," a statement said Monday. "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, which says it represents around 160,000 people, says Epic's subsidiary did not talk to its negotiators over how AI would be used in the game. SAG-AFTRA said it had filed a claim for unfair labor practice with the National Labor Relations Board, a federal agency that protects workers' rights to organize and to negotiate. Epic Games did not immediately respond to AFP's queries, but a statement released last week cited Jones's family saying they were pleased with the project. "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," the family said. Performers have become concerned about the use of artificial intelligence in films, TV and video games. Improving technology makes it increasingly possible to digitally recreate the audio and visual likeness of an actor. The strikes that crippled Hollywood in 2023 stemmed in part from fears that studios would seek to use digital models to replace human performers and creators. Video game actors began their own strike against major players in the sector in July 2024. © 2025 AFP
eNCA
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Actors' union sues Fortnite over AI Darth Vader
LOS ANGELES - An actors' union is suing the makers of the Fortnite video game over the use of AI to create an interactive Darth Vader. Fortnite announced last week it had got permission from the family of James Earl Jones to make a chatty "Star Wars" villain based on the late actor's voice work in the smash hit space opera series. Using AI models, developer Epic Games introduced the Emperor's consigliere into Battle Royale, a player-versus-player version of Fortnite in which squads form to defeat other contestants online. Users were quick to adopt the Sith Lord on their missions, posting clips of their interactions with one of cinema's most famous bad guys. Many delighted in the character's apparent wit, laughing as he tells them off for poor technique, or suggesting that they are cheating. "The empire has no need for fast food," he chides one player who asks what his McDonald's order would be. "If I were forced to endure such a culinary experience, I would take a Chicken Selects Meal with large fries and a Coca-Cola drink." But actors' union SAG-AFTRA was not amused, claiming the use of AI in video games puts performers out of work. "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," a statement said Monday. "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, which says it represents around 160,000 people, says Epic's subsidiary did not talk to its negotiators over how AI would be used in the game. SAG-AFTRA said it had filed a claim for unfair labour practices with the National Labor Relations Board, a federal agency that protects workers' rights to organise and to negotiate. Epic Games did not immediately respond to AFP's queries, but a statement released last week cited Jones's family saying they were pleased with the project. "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," the family said. Performers have become concerned about the use of artificial intelligence in films, TV and video games. Improving technology makes it increasingly possible to digitally recreate the audio and visual likeness of an actor. The strikes that crippled Hollywood in 2023 stemmed in part from fears that studios would seek to use digital models to replace human performers and creators.
Business Times
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Actors' union sues ‘Fortnite' over AI Darth Vader
[LOS ANGELES] An actors' union is suing the makers of the Fortnite video game over the use of AI to create an interactive Darth Vader, it said on Monday. Fortnite announced last week it had got permission from the family of James Earl Jones to make a chatty Star Wars villain based on the late actor's voice work in the smash hit space opera series. Using AI models, developer Epic Games introduced the Emperor's consigliere into Battle Royale, a player-versus-player version of Fortnite in which squads form to defeat other contestants online. Users were quick to adopt the Sith Lord on their missions, posting clips of their interactions with one of cinema's most famous bad guys. Many delighted in the character's apparent wit, laughing as he tells them off for poor technique, or suggesting that they are cheating. 'The empire has no need for fast food,' he chides one player who asks what his McDonald's order would be. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up 'If I were forced to endure such a culinary experience, I would take a Chicken Selects Meal with large fries and a Coca-Cola drink.' But actors' union SAG-AFTRA was not amused, claiming the use of AI in video games puts performers out of work. '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,' a statement said on Monday. '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, which says it represents around 160,000 people, says Epic's subsidiary did not talk to its negotiators over how AI would be used in the game. SAG-AFTRA said it had filed a claim for unfair labour practice with the National Labor Relations Board, a federal agency that protects workers' rights to organise and to negotiate. Epic Games did not immediately respond to AFP's queries, but a statement released last week cited Jones's family saying they were pleased with the project. '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,' the family said. Performers have become concerned about the use of artificial intelligence in films, TV and video games. Improving technology makes it increasingly possible to digitally recreate the audio and visual likeness of an actor. The strikes that crippled Hollywood in 2023 stemmed in part from fears that studios would seek to use digital models to replace human performers and creators. Video game actors began their own strike against major players in the sector in July 2024. AFP
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fortnite In Legal Trouble After Adding AI Darth Vader
SAG-AFTRA, the massive actors and media union with over 160,000 members, has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against Epic Games over its inclusion of an AI-powered Darth Vader in a recent Fortnite update. You might have heard about the AI-powered Darth Vader that was added to Epic's popular battle royale game last week as part of an ongoing Star Wars-themed season. Players could talk to this AI-powered Vader and ask him questions. The AI character's voice was designed to mimic that of the late James Earl Jones and was done with his and his estate's permission. Pretty quickly after he was added to the game, players got him to say slurs, swears, and other questionable stuff. Epic patched him up and seems to have gotten the Sith Lord under control. But now the developer is in hot water with one of the largest media unions in the country because it included this AI-powered Vader without first communicating or bargaining with SAG-AFTRA. On May 19, as reported by Eurogamer, SAG-AFTRA announced that it had filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games and its subsidiary, Llama Productions. '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,' said SAG-AFTRA in a statement. '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 says that Epic and Llama Productions 'chose to replace the work of human performers with A.I.' and did so without 'providing any notice of their intent to do this' and without allowing the union to bargain over fair terms. SAG-AFTRA voice actors are currently on strike against large video game companies including EA and Activision over various issues. The strike started in 2024. One of the big ones is more protection against AI copies, like Darth Vader in Fortnite. . For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
France 24
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
Actors' union sues Fortnite over AI Darth Vader
Fortnite announced last week it had got permission from the family of James Earl Jones to make a chatty "Star Wars" villain based on the late actor's voice work in the smash hit space opera series. Using AI models, developer Epic Games introduced the Emperor's consigliere into Battle Royale, a player-versus-player version of Fortnite in which squads form to defeat other contestants online. Users were quick to adopt the Sith Lord on their missions, posting clips of their interactions with one of cinema's most famous bad guys. Many delighted in the character's apparent wit, laughing as he tells them off for poor technique, or suggesting that they are cheating. "The empire has no need for fast food," he chides one player who asks what his McDonald's order would be. "If I were forced to endure such a culinary experience, I would take a Chicken Selects Meal with large fries and a Coca-Cola drink." But actors' union SAG-AFTRA was not amused, claiming the use of AI in video games puts performers out of work. "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," a statement said Monday. "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, which says it represents around 160,000 people, says Epic's subsidiary did not talk to its negotiators over how AI would be used in the game. SAG-AFTRA said it had filed a claim for unfair labor practice with the National Labor Relations Board, a federal agency that protects workers' rights to organize and to negotiate. Epic Games did not immediately respond to AFP's queries, but a statement released last week cited Jones's family saying they were pleased with the project. "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," the family said. Performers have become concerned about the use of artificial intelligence in films, TV and video games. Improving technology makes it increasingly possible to digitally recreate the audio and visual likeness of an actor. The strikes that crippled Hollywood in 2023 stemmed in part from fears that studios would seek to use digital models to replace human performers and creators. Video game actors began their own strike against major players in the sector in July 2024. © 2025 AFP
