March 27, 2025
🚀 Fortnite Announces Major Creator Tools Coming in Q2 2025
Fortnite’s latest update brings an exciting addition for Star Wars fans: the ability to interact with Darth Vader using voice commands. This feature, part of the “Galactic Battle” season, allows players to recruit the iconic Sith Lord as an AI companion in Battle Royale mode.
To engage with Darth Vader, players must first defeat him in battle. Once victorious, a portal to Mustafar opens, offering the opportunity to recruit him. After recruitment, players can converse with Vader by pressing a designated button, enabling real-time voice interactions. The AI responds using a voice modeled after James Earl Jones, created with permission from his estate. This collaboration ensures that the character retains the iconic voice that fans associate with Darth Vader.
The conversational AI utilizes Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash model and ElevenLabs’ Flash v2.5 to generate responses. To maintain a safe gaming environment, Epic Games has implemented filters to prevent inappropriate language and topics. Parental controls are also available, requiring permission for players under 13 or those below the digital age of consent in their country.
While many players have enjoyed the immersive experience, some have attempted to exploit the AI by prompting it to say inappropriate phrases. In response, Epic Games issued a hotfix to address these issues and reinforce content filters.
Additionally, the use of AI-generated voices has sparked discussions about labor practices. SAG-AFTRA filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games, alleging that the company replaced human performers with AI without proper negotiation. The union emphasizes the importance of protecting performers’ rights in the evolving landscape of AI technology.
Fortnite’s integration of AI to bring Darth Vader to life offers a unique and engaging experience for players. As technology continues to evolve, it presents both opportunities and challenges in the gaming industry. Epic Games’ approach to combining innovation with safeguards demonstrates a commitment to enhancing gameplay while addressing potential concerns.
For more details, visit the official announcement: Speak with Darth Vader in Fortnite.
