Epic Games added an AI-powered Darth Vader to "Fortnite" this month. Players interact with the character, which uses conversational AI based on James Earl Jones' voice.

AI Darth Vader, it seems, was just the beginning. During State of Unreal 2025, Epic unveiled plans to release new tools for creators to build their own AI-powered NPCs in Unreal Editor for ...

Fortnite players can channel their inner dark side as James Earl Jones‘ Darth Vader returns to the game. Players will be able to recruit the Sith Lord and be able to talk to him, he will respond ...

Thanks to the power of generative AI, the Vader in-game character will use the late actor’s voice. Epic Games said they are doing so while remaining in “close consultation” with Jones’ family.

According to Epic Games’ website, Darth Vader’s responses are AI-generated using Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash model, and ElevenLabs’ Flash v2.5 model generates the audio.

But until Epic announced its AI version of Darth Vader for Fortnite, no major blockbuster video game had actually put similar technology in a release. It would be a gamble.

Darth Vader never said, “Luke I am your father.” So why do we all think he did? Here’s the science behind this strange phenomenon—and how AI is poised to send it into overdrive.

Players interact with the character, which uses conversational AI based on James Earl Jones' voice. "Fortnite" Darth Vader represents both the benefits and pitfalls of AI. He is what they made him.