Mario Bautista
The SAG-AFTRA performers union has complained to the National Labor Relations Board regarding Epic Games’ use of AI to voice Darth Vader in Fortnite.
In a post on its website, the organisation said that while it isn’t against companies using digital replicas in legitimate ways, it also has to ensure that there are solid protections for workers in the space.
“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 wrote.
“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.
“Fortnite’s signatory company, Llama Productions, chose to replace the work of human performers with A.I. technology,” the statement added. “Unfortunately, they did so without providing any notice of their intent to do this and without bargaining with us over appropriate terms. As such, we have filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB against Llama Productions.”
In the filing itself, SAG-AFTRA said that Epic Games had not bargained in good faith with the union.
“Within the past six months, [Epic], by its agents and representatives, failed and refused to bargain in good faith with the union by making unilateral changes to terms and conditions of employment, without providing notice to the union or the opportunity to bargain, by utilising AI-generated voices to replace bargaining unit work on the Interactive Program Fortnite.”
PCGamesInsider.biz has reached out to Epic for comment.
