SAG-AFTRA To File Labor Complaint With Epic Games Following The Use Of The A.I.-powered Darth Vader Voice Tool

Epic Games and Fortnite are now the latest target of SAG-AFTRA. The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have directed their attention to the free-to-play Battle Royale juggernaut for its controversial use of A.I. generated speak for Darth Vader in its Galactic Battle collaboration.

According to reporting from the Associated Press, SAG-AFTRA has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games' subsidiary Llama Productions (the division responsible for labor relations) for the use of the late actor James Earl Jones' voice being digitized.

While the legendary actor signed the rights for his voice to be used in A.I. generated recreations (which includes LucasArts and other entities) in 2022, SAG-AFTRA's dispute is over Llama Productions' inability of notifying the labor union, preventing SAG-AFTRA from bargaining and negotiating of hiring an actor of recreating Darth Vader's voice in good faith.

“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,” the union said 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 is currently striking against many American game development companies as concerns for proper A.I. protections remain inconclusive. The labor holdout began in July 26th 2024 against major publishers and developers Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Llama Productions LLC, and Take-Two Interactive Software Inc,.

Epic Games has not yet provided a statement.

This instance seems murky on both sides. While generated A.I. is a slippery slope that can change ethics and creative direction, in instances where the practice of allowing your rights to be utilized has been granted, that holds merit. Unauthorized recreation of voices has potentially dangerous implications. Getting ahead of it now and laying a statute of standards is of the utmost importance. SAG-AFTRA has the right idea, but has to prove they are a viable part of the industry that can't be replaced. If James Earl Jones' voice was signed over with the free-reign intended, this complaint has little ground to stand on.