AI revolution in Fortnite: Epic plans to give players the opportunity to create their own smart NPCs

Epic Games has announced revolutionary plans that will allow players to create their own AI NPCs in Fortnite.

Here's What We Know

AI Darth Vader was introduced to Fortnite last month. He can serenade you, join and leave squads at will, react intelligently to the player, speak impromptu dialogue, summarise game events, and warn the player if something is about to happen.

Darth Vader is voiced by the inimitable James Earl Jones, who died in September 2024 at the age of 93. This AI version of his voice is used with the permission of the Jones family.

And AI Darth Vader was only the beginning. During State of Unreal 2025, Epic unveiled plans to release new tools for creators to create their own AI-controlled NPCs in the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN). As demonstrated on stage, creators will be able to use the new Persona Device to create characters with personalities that players can talk to. You can choose the type of voice and manner of speaking you want for your NPC, as well as various characteristics.

"We're taking what we've learned from Darth Vader and sharing the underlying technology with the creator community," Epic said. This opens the door to a new level of customisation and narrative, allowing players to create their own stories and interactions.

Source: The Verge