Fortnite Creators Get AI Darth Vader Tech from Epic
▼ Summary
– Epic Games announced AI-powered NPCs for Fortnite, allowing creators to design interactive characters with customizable voices and personalities via UEFN.
– A live demo featured “Mr. Buttons,” an AI NPC designed to persuade players to press a button, showcasing conversational capabilities.
– Epic previously introduced an AI-powered Darth Vader NPC but had to fix issues after players manipulated it into swearing.
– Epic is beta-testing an AI chatbot, the Epic Developer Assistant, to help creators write code in UEFN’s Verse programming language.
– New franchises like Squid Game, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Star Wars will be available for UEFN creators, with LEGO experiences launching June 17th.
Epic Games is revolutionizing Fortnite’s creative landscape by introducing AI-powered NPCs, giving creators unprecedented tools to design interactive characters with dynamic personalities. The technology, showcased during the company’s State of Unreal event, mirrors the functionality of the recently launched AI Darth Vader, allowing players to engage in voice conversations with in-game characters.
Using the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), creators will soon craft NPCs with customizable voices, speech patterns, and behavioral traits. During a live demonstration, Epic revealed an AI character named Mr. Buttons, designed to persuade players to press a conspicuous red button—showcasing how these NPCs can drive narrative and gameplay in unexpected ways.
Earlier this year, Epic introduced an AI-driven Darth Vader NPC, which utilized a synthetic version of James Earl Jones’ iconic voice with approval from his estate. While the feature impressed players, it required a quick patch after users manipulated the AI into using inappropriate language—highlighting both the potential and challenges of AI integration in gaming.
Beyond NPCs, Epic is expanding its AI toolkit with the Epic Developer Assistant, a chatbot currently in beta that helps creators write code in UEFN’s Verse programming language. The tool aims to streamline development, making advanced scripting more accessible.
The company also unveiled new licensed content for UEFN creators, including Squid Game assets arriving June 27th—coinciding with the show’s final season premiere. Later this summer, creators can publish full Squid Game experiences, while Avatar: The Last Airbender and Star Wars assets will become available in the coming years.
Additionally, LEGO Fortnite is set to receive a major upgrade on June 17th, enabling creators to construct brick-by-brick experiences with enhanced customization. These updates underscore Epic’s commitment to blending cutting-edge AI with beloved franchises, offering players and creators alike fresh ways to engage with Fortnite’s ever-expanding universe.
(Source: The Verge)
