SAG-AFTRA, the world's largest union representing performers across multiple industries, is going after Epic Games. This comes after Epic launched an AI Darth Vader chatbot in Fortnite, allowing players to speak with the character, which uses the voice of the late James Earl Jones.
In response to this, SAG-AFTRA has launched an unfair labour practice charge against Epic's signature company, Llama Productions, for replacing the work of human actors with AI. This comes as SAG-AFTRA continues its strike against the gaming industry, which is over concerns about AI acting in games.
"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," SAG-AFTRA's statement reads. "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."
This references the fact that the best-known actor to portray Vader, James Earl Jones, agreed to have his voice replicated by AI...
