Epic Games Launches AI-Powered NPCs for Fortnite Creators

Fortnite is expanding its toolset for custom gameplay experiences. Epic Games has assembled a roster of 36 AI-powered non-playable characters that content creators can deploy in their own islands beginning July 30th. These characters—including recognizable Fortnite figures such as Agent Jonesy, Peely (the iconic banana), Fishstick, and Cuddle Team Leader—come pre-equipped with consistent AI-generated voices and behavioral personas.

Building on Darth Vader's Success#

The move follows Epic's high-profile experiment with an AI-powered Darth Vader character last year, whose voice drew on James Earl Jones' distinctive delivery through a licensed collaboration with his estate. While that NPC briefly became notorious for generating profanity until Epic patched the issue, the company used the moment to signal its broader ambition: empowering creators to build their own conversational AI characters.

How the Voices Were Created#

Rather than synthesizing celebrity likenesses, Epic sourced the new characters' voices from independent professional voice actors hired to perform specifically for developer-made islands. According to the company, these actors explicitly agreed to allow their recordings to be used for training the large language models that power the characters' spoken responses in-game. This approach aims to avoid the rights complications that would arise from using established talent without consent.

Future Celebrity Partnerships#

While the initial launch focuses on these purpose-built voices, Epic has signaled ambitions to eventually work with established actors from Fortnite's history. The company stated it intends to collaborate with relevant entertainment guilds and voice performers who have previously contributed to Battle Royale, seeking to make their original voices available across the Fortnite ecosystem. Such deals would require explicit approval and likely financial compensation.

Guardrails for Creators#

Epic introduced these tools earlier in the year with a framework of guidelines designed to prevent misuse. The platform now offers creators the ability to experiment with AI-driven NPCs while the company works to establish standards for responsible deployment across its community.