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Fortnite’s latest update brought something wild: an AI-powered Darth Vader voiced by the legendary James Earl Jones. Players were excited to chat with the Sith Lord in real-time, but it didn’t take long for things to spiral. From swearing to mentioning “skibidi toilets,” this experiment went off the rails fast. Some love the chaos, others hate it, and Epic Games is racing to clean up the mess. Want the full scoop on Fortnite’s latest drama? Check out Total Apex Gaming’s news section.

How Does AI Darth Vader Work?

On May 15, 2025, Fortnite rolled out this feature as part of its Star Wars crossover. Using Google’s Gemini and ElevenLabs’ tech, the AI responds to players with Jones’ iconic voice. It’s a groundbreaking move for gaming—talk to Vader, and he talks back. The details are on Fortnite’s official blog, but players quickly found ways to break it.

What’s Sparking the Outrage?

Things got messy when players pushed the AI’s limits. Vader started dropping curse words, referencing the “skibidi toilets” meme, and saying stuff that didn’t fit Fortnite’s family-friendly vibe. Some thought it was a riot and shared clips online, but parents and others weren’t happy. Kotaku and IGN reported on the bizarre responses, showing how far it went.

How Did Epic Games React?

Epic jumped in quickly. Within 30 minutes, they released a hotfix to cut the swearing and promised better filters. Their statement said, “We pushed a hotfix immediately, and this shouldn’t happen again.” They’re also asking players to report issues. You can read more on Wired’s blog. Still, some wonder if the damage is done.

What’s the Future of Fortnite’s AI?

This hiccup shows how tricky AI can be in live games. It’s a cool idea, but keeping it clean is a challenge. Will Epic tweak it or scrap it? And what about using a late actor’s voice—ethical or not? Ars Technica explores the bigger picture, and it’s a solid take.

Wrapping It Up

Fortnite took a big swing with AI Darth Vader, and it’s a mixed bag. Epic’s on it, but this might change how they use AI down the line. For more gaming news like this, head to Total Apex Gaming.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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