Fortnite is back in the spotlight with its exciting Star Wars seasonal event, Fortnite: Galactic Battle, offering fans a chance to dive into the universe like never before. Players can now adopt skins of iconic characters such as Poe Dameron, Emperor Palpatine, and even the unique Darth Jar Jar Binks. The action isn’t just limited to ground battles; soar through the skies with TIE fighters while engaging in lightsaber duels. However, this year’s twist comes from a surprising feature: players can engage in real-time conversations with Darth Vader using AI technology.
According to an announcement on Fortnite’s official blog, gamers can now “strategize with the ultimate Sith Lord.” Utilizing advanced conversational AI, including Google’s Gemini 2.0 and ElevenLabs’ Flash v2.5 models, players can pose questions about the Force, the sociopolitical landscape of the Galactic Empire, and strategies for mastering the Storm Cycle. This innovation aims to add a new dimension to gameplay.
While the use of AI may raise questions about digital ethics, Epic Games and Disney clarified that Darth Vader’s iconic voice, formerly brought to life by the late James Earl Jones, is used with the permission of his estate. His family expressed a hope that this collaboration allows fans old and new to cherish Darth Vader’s legacy.
As part of the game’s mechanics, players under the age of 13 (or under their country’s legal age for digital consent) need parental permission to interact with the Vader voice feature. This ensures a responsible gaming environment for younger audiences.
It’s noteworthy that before Jones’ death, he had transferred the rights to his voice to Lucasfilm in 2022, a forward-thinking decision that allows for the recreation of his iconic portrayal in future projects. This move seems to be an effective bridge connecting gaming and the legacy of Star Wars.
Loserfruit made the AI Darth Vader Swear pic.twitter.com/bJmPpqGXvf
— Cordial (@ImCordial) May 16, 2025
However, even with good intentions, gamers are using the new feature for comedic and unexpected moments. Popular Twitch streamer Loserfruit recently had Vader use profanity in-game, showcasing both the playful and unpredictable nature of the feature. Furthermore, developers have implemented moderation within the AI, ensuring that it refrains from discussing sensitive topics such as self-harm and abuse.
The Darth Vader text/voice AI can also tell when you’re attempting to bypass its moderation or talk about restricted topics such as self-harm, abuse, eating disorders, or hijacking/jailbreaking the AI. pic.twitter.com/tGhnKnjPtV
— iFireMonkey (@iFireMonkey) May 16, 2025
Curious minds have been experimenting with what else they can coax Vader into saying, although it seems the AI is programmed to steer clear of inappropriate or harmful subjects. This certainly adds a layer of fun while still aiming for sensitive interactions.
This isn’t the first time Fortnite has faced challenges while paying tribute to figures who have passed. In 2021, a tribute event for civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was met with mixed reactions, prompting adjustments to maintain the event’s integrity. Hopefully, this time, the enthusiasm surrounding the Darth Vader AI feature will remain focused on lighthearted enjoyment rather than crossing into controversial territory.
Update 11:30 a.m. ET: An Epic Games representative announced that they have pushed a patch to prevent any foul language from the Darth Vader AI, stating, “We pushed a hot fix within 30 minutes of this happening in-game, so this shouldn’t happen again.”
As the Fortnite community continues to explore the boundaries of this exciting new feature, the potential for humor and creativity is immense. From epic lightsaber battles to chatting with Darth Vader himself, it’s clear that Fortnite: Galactic Battle is delivering a unique gaming experience.
Are you eager to see how this exciting feature unfolds? Continue exploring game updates and related content at Moyens I/O.