Unreal Editor for Fortnite’s AI character creation tool has ambitions beyond Darth Vader
1 min read
Summary
Epic Games has shown a demo of a new tool on Fortnite, called the Persona Device, which will allow developers to create non-playable characters (NPCs) with AI-driven personalities.
During the demonstration, the player had to talk to a robot named Mr. Buttons, which Epic Games EVP Saxs Persson said was created to demonstrate how the Persona Device could create “emergent, reactive gameplay for creators and deeper experiences for players”.
James Earl Jones’ voice was used for a version of Darth Vader that players could interact with in Fortnite, however, the late actor’s voice was used without the permission of SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, which took issue with the use of the voice.
It is unclear what voices creators will have access to when they use the Persona Device.
Fortnite is set to be a testing ground for these new AI-driven characters and conversations, with the characters rolled out in the game before they become available for other developers to use.