One of the characters in ‘Fortnite’s’ Galactic Battle edition mimics the iconic tone and rhythm of ‘Star Wars’ villain Darth Vader|fortnite|Instagram

The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has filed a complaint accusing Llama Productions, a subsidiary of Epic Games, of violating labor agreements by using AI instead of voice performers to replicate Darth Vader’s voice in its Fortnite game.

One of the characters in Fortnite’s Galactic Battle edition mimics Vader’s iconic tone and rhythm and can interact with players in real time.

SAG-AFTRA emphasized it supports members using AI with protections in place, but says Epic failed to bargain over the AI use, violating labor rights.

The dispute adds to tensions in the ongoing video game voice actor strike, which began in July 2023 and has now outlasted the Hollywood writers and actors’ strikes. AI’s role in replacing human performance remains a central issue in the stalled contract talks.