Background on the Key Players
The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) represents approximately 160,000 actors and performers in the United States. Recently, this union has raised concerns about the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in film, television, and video games.
The Fortnite Controversy
Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, announced that they had received authorization from James Earl Jones’ family to recreate Darth Vader’s voice based on the original recordings by the late actor in the iconic Star Wars saga.
Using AI models, Epic Games introduced an AI-generated version of Darth Vader as an advisor in Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode, where teams compete against each other online. Players quickly embraced the character and shared clips of their interactions with one of cinema’s most famous villains.
SAG-AFTRA’s Concerns
However, SAG-AFTRA views the use of AI in video games as a threat to actors’ jobs. In a statement, the union emphasized the importance of protecting their right to negotiate terms and conditions surrounding voice replacement work, including AI-generated voices in video games.
The union claims that Epic Games, the subsidiary responsible for producing the game, failed to communicate with their negotiators regarding the use of AI in Fortnite.
Legal Action
SAG-AFTRA filed a complaint for unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), a federal agency that safeguards workers’ rights.
Epic Games has not yet responded to a request for comment from AFP regarding the issue. In a previous statement, they mentioned that James Earl Jones’ family was content with the project.
Growing Concerns About AI in Entertainment Industry
The concerns about AI usage in the entertainment industry have intensified among actors, who have incorporated this topic into their contract negotiations. This issue is part of the ongoing strike affecting several major video game companies, including Activision, Disney, Electronic Arts, and Warner Bros. Games, since July 2024.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? SAG-AFTRA is concerned that AI-generated voices in video games could replace actors’ jobs, undermining their bargaining power regarding working conditions and compensation.
- Who is involved? The key players are the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Epic Games, and the family of James Earl Jones.
- What is the legal action? SAG-AFTRA filed a complaint for unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Epic Games.
- Why is this a growing concern? As AI technology advances, actors and unions are increasingly worried about its implications for their profession in film, television, and video games.
