Epic Games debuts voice-interactive Darth Vader in Fortnite — and it’s already being tricked into swearing

Epic Games recently introduced a groundbreaking feature in Fortnite that allows players to interact with an AI-powered Darth Vader character using their voice. This collaboration between Fortnite and Disney brings a new level of immersion to the game, allowing players to engage with the iconic Star Wars villain in real-time.

The AI technology behind this innovative character utilizes Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash model to generate responses from Darth Vader. Additionally, the voice of James Earl Jones, the original actor who portrayed Vader, is recreated using ElevenLabs’ Flash v2.5 model. This attention to detail ensures that the character stays true to its iconic portrayal in the Star Wars franchise.

According to Fortnite, players can ask Darth Vader questions and receive responses tailored to their inquiries. The character can also provide strategies and guidance to enhance the gaming experience. However, players quickly discovered a loophole in the system that allowed them to prompt Vader to respond with profanity. Australian streamer Kathleen Belsten, known as “Loserfruit,” managed to get the AI character to utter an expletive during gameplay, showcasing the challenges of implementing AI technology in interactive settings.

Despite these challenges, the family of James Earl Jones expressed their support for the collaboration, stating that the actor always wanted fans to continue experiencing the legacy of Darth Vader. Epic Games reassured players that audio and transcriptions are not stored and are only used to prompt Vader’s responses, with no data being used to train AI models.

Fortnite also implemented safeguards for younger players, requiring permission for those under 13 or the country’s age of digital consent to interact with Darth Vader. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all players, while also addressing concerns related to online interactions.

Overall, the introduction of an AI-powered Darth Vader character in Fortnite represents a significant advancement in gaming technology. By combining cutting-edge AI models with iconic Star Wars characters, Epic Games and Disney have created a unique and immersive experience for players to enjoy. The collaboration showcases the potential of AI in gaming and sets a new standard for interactive storytelling in virtual worlds.