Epic Games Introduces Generative AI NPCs for Fortnite

Epic Games has unveiled a new technology that allows the creation of AI-powered game characters capable of responding in real time, breaking free from traditional scripted behavior.

Generative AI NPCs Bring a New Level of Interaction to Fortnite

Epic is preparing to launch a tool within Fortnite that enables creators to design generative AI NPCs. These characters act autonomously, without relying on pre-programmed scripts. Their behavior, voice, speech style, and personality traits can all be customized, according to a report from Engadget.

This innovation is powered by Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) — Epic’s suite of creation tools. During the recent State of Unreal showcase, the company demonstrated a generative AI NPC named Mr. Buttons. Built using around 20 lines of prompts, the character responded to the host’s questions in real time, trying to persuade him to press a large red button — despite numerous warning signs around it.

When asked about the warning signs, Mr. Buttons replied:

“Signs, you say? Just the musings of those lacking imagination. After all, rules are meant to be gently pushed aside. Don’t you agree?”

📺 You can watch the demo starting at 1:54:20 in the showcase video.

Promising but Imperfect

While the technology impressed, the demonstration also revealed some limitations. Interaction was turn-based: the host had to hold down a microphone button to speak, while the character responded with noticeable pauses, often filled with vocal fillers like “Hmm” or “Umm.”

This isn’t Epic’s first experiment with AI in Fortnite. Just last month, the game featured an AI-powered Darth Vader, whose lines were generated by Gemini 2.0 Flash and voiced using ElevenLabs tech to recreate James Earl Jones' voice. The results were mixed — the bot went viral after swearing in response to a streamer and then scolding him for his language. Epic responded quickly with a hotfix and promised to avoid such incidents going forward.

Coming Soon

The generative AI NPC tool is set to roll out later this year via the UEFN editor.