Epic Games has announced plans to empower Fortnite creators to develop AI-driven non-playable characters (NPCs), similar to the recently introduced AI version of Darth Vader. The company unveiled this new technology during its State of Unreal event on Tuesday.
Through the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), creators will have the capability to design characters with distinct personalities that players can engage with through voice chat. When launched later this year, the tool will allow creators to customize voice types, delivery styles, and various traits of the AI NPCs.
During a live demonstration at the event, two Epic Games staff members showcased an interaction with an AI NPC named “Mr. Buttons,” designed to encourage players to press a prominent red button in the environment. One staff member inquired about the screens around them, cautioning against pressing the button, while Mr. Buttons persistently pushed for the player to defy the directive.
In May, Epic introduced a Darth Vader NPC in Fortnite that featured an AI-enhanced voice replicating that of James Earl Jones—a move that received approval from Jones’ estate. Nonetheless, the company faced a minor issue when players managed to make the AI character use inappropriate language, prompting the need for a quick fix.
The introduction of AI NPCs is just one aspect of Epic’s AI initiatives for Fortnite creators. The company is currently beta testing the Epic Developer Assistant, an AI chatbot designed to assist UEFN creators in composing code using UEFN’s Verse programming language. This beta phase is already underway.
Additionally, Epic announced that new franchises will soon be accessible for UEFN creators. Squid Game assets will be available starting June 27th—coinciding with the premiere of the show’s third and final season—enabling creators to publish Squid Game themed experiences later this summer. Furthermore, Avatar: The Last Airbender, which was featured in Fortnite last year, will be open for creators in 2026, while Star Wars assets are expected to become available in the future.
On June 17th, creators will also have the opportunity to construct LEGO-based experiences, which promises to enhance customization options for players.
