AI Star Wars antagonist Darth Vader in the Fortnite video game prompts lawsuit from actors’ union.

 

AI Star Wars antagonist Darth Vader in the Fortnite video game prompts lawsuit from actors’ union. 

AI Star Wars antagonist Darth Vader in the Fortnite video game prompts lawsuit from actors’ union. 

Fortnite developed the interactive Star Wars character with consent from the family of the late James Earl Jones, who portrayed Darth Vader

A union for actors is taking legal action against the creators of the Fortnite video game due to their use of AI to develop an interactive Darth Vader. Last week, Fortnite revealed that it received approval from James Earl Jones's family to create a talkative Star Wars antagonist inspired by the late actor's voice performances in the popular space opera series. Employing AI models, the developer Epic Games integrated the Emperor’s consigliere into Battle Royale, a player-versus-player variant of Fortnite where teams unite to overcome other players online. Users swiftly embraced the Sith Lord during their missions, sharing videos of their encounters with one of film's most iconic villains.

Numerous people enjoyed the character's seemingly clever remarks, chuckling as he reprimands them for inadequate skill or implies they may be dishonest. “The empire requires no fast food,” he scolds a player who inquires about his McDonald’s selection.