Fortnite opens AI NPC voices to creators July 30

Epic Games is expanding AI-powered characters in Fortnite. Starting July 30th, creators will be able to publish experiences with characters that have AI-generated voices, and Epic is launching the feature with 36 prebuilt characters that have “consistent voices and personas” for use as NPCs.

The lineup includes familiar Fortnite faces such as Agent Jonesy, Peely, Fishstick, and Cuddle Team Leader.

Epic has already tested the idea with last year’s Darth Vader NPC, which used James Earl Jones' voice in a collaboration approved by Jones' estate. Players quickly managed to get Vader to swear, though Epic moved fast to fix that. Soon after that rollout, the company said creators would eventually be able to build AI-powered characters of their own.

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According to Epic, the voices for the new personas are based on “performances captured from independent professional actors specifically for use in developer-made islands.” The company added that “the actors agreed to have their performances used to develop voice models that create the spoken responses for these LLM-powered Fortnite characters.”

Epic also signaled a broader plan to bring in voices tied to more recognizable performers from the Fortnite universe, if it can secure the necessary permissions.

“Our next step is to work with the relevant guilds and character voice actors who have previously worked on Fortnite Battle Royale to explore opportunities to make their original voices available across the Fortnite ecosystem.”

Epic began letting creators test custom AI characters earlier this year, while setting rules meant to limit misuse. A video from Fortnite creator Shiina has already shown off some of the new voices.