Fortnite to Launch AI-Powered NPC Voices and Real-Time Conversations on July 30

Image via Epic Games

Epic Games will introduce AI-Powered NPC voices for Fortnite's non-playable characters (NPCs) on July 30, bringing more realistic and interactive conversations to creator-made islands.

Epic has already added 36 Fortnite characters with consistent AI voices and personalities, including fan favorites such as Peely, Fishstick, Agent Jonesy, and Cuddle Team Leader.

The new Conversations feature enables developers to create AI-powered NPCs that can respond to players in real time rather than using scripted dialogue. Using Google's Gemini AI, creators can define a character's personality and behavior with simple prompts, allowing for dynamic interactions like giving quests, answering questions, and narrating stories.

Epic stated that the AI voice models were created using performances by independent professional voice actors who agreed to have their recordings used in creator-made experiences.

The update expands on Fortnite's previous AI-powered Darth Vader chatbot, which used the voice of late actor James Earl Jones with permission from his family. The feature gained popularity after players attempted to make the character say inappropriate phrases, prompting Epic to strengthen its security measures.

Epic Games says it will collaborate with voice actors and industry groups to bring original character voices to Fortnite in the future, assuming the necessary approvals are obtained. The new AI Conversations feature will be available to Fortnite creators on July 30, giving them new tools to create NPCs that can talk and interact with players in real time.

Fortnite has added football legend David Beckham to its Icon Series, making his exclusive skin and in-game cosmetics available to players starting July 17.