In a transformative leap for gaming, Fortnite has unveiled an extraordinary feature that allows players to engage in voice chats with none other than Darth Vader, utilizing an AI-generated version of the legendary James Earl Jones’ voice. This innovation represents a new frontier in interactive gaming, offering users an unprecedented opportunity to converse with one of cinema’s most iconic characters.
This isn’t Fortnite’s first venture into the realm of digital likenesses. The game previously showcased a remarkable concert experience featuring the late rapper Juice Wrld, who was not only a fan of Fortnite but also passed away in 2019. However, the introduction of real-time, voice-activated conversations with Darth Vader takes this concept to new heights.
Players have begun exploring this unique feature, often with a humorous twist. Some have prompted Vader to respond in unexpected ways, showcasing the playful side of this advance. Streamer LoserFruit, known for her engaging style, even pushed the technology’s limits, resulting in Vader using some surprising language:
This innovative feature emerges during Fortnite’s current Star Wars-themed season and follows James Earl Jones’s decision to allow his voice to continue representing Darth Vader in upcoming Disney projects. The technology was previously employed in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi, showcasing its broader potential.
The collaboration between Fortnite, Google’s Gemini AI, and ElevenLabs’ Flash audio model allows for real-time capture and transmission of player voice inputs, making interactions feel seamless. A representative from James Earl Jones’s family remarked, “James Earl felt that the voice of Darth Vader was inseparable from the story of Star Wars, and he always wanted fans of all ages to continue to experience it. We hope that this collaboration with Fortnite will allow both longtime fans of Darth Vader and newer generations to share in the enjoyment of this iconic character.”
In response to safety concerns, Epic Games has implemented measures for younger players aged under 13, requiring parental consent for voice chat participation. An Epic Games FAQ page details the safeguards in place, allowing players to report any inappropriate comments made by the character.
Epic Games has emphasized that while players communicate with Darth Vader, their voiced inputs are securely relayed to Gemini for generating character responses. Notably, players can rest easy knowing that their audio inputs and transcriptions are not retained—only specific concerning replies from Vader would be reviewed if flagged.
As it stands, Darth Vader’s interactions are limited to English, much to the entertainment of fans of the broader Star Wars universe. *insert Wookie noise here*
Amid the excitement of this feature, the conversation around AI’s role in the industry remains complex. Voice actors have expressed their concerns regarding the encroachment of AI technology, especially in light of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, which has highlighted the implications of artificial intelligence on their work. Insights from Nova Play feature discussions with notable voice actor Jennifer Hale, underscoring the industry’s apprehensions about this trend.
In a separate but noteworthy development, Epic Games announced the temporary withdrawal of Fortnite from iPhones, citing Apple’s restrictive policies concerning the app’s return to the U.S. App Store. This adds yet another layer of complexity to the ongoing narrative surrounding the gaming giant.
