Fortnite developers can make AI characters now — just don’t try to date them

2026-04-20 · Source: The Verge · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Gaming & Interactive Media, Software Development & Engineering · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Epic Games has introduced a new "conversations" tool for *Fortnite* creators, enabling them to develop AI-powered characters capable of unscripted dialogue and interactions with players. This tool, which transforms NPCs into dynamic quest givers or narrators, allows creators to define character personas through simple prompts detailing their thoughts, knowledge, and behavior, and then select a matching voice. The system is powered by Google's Gemini 3.1. Epic has also implemented strict rules for these AI characters, prohibiting personas designed for medical or mental health guidance, those that role-play as romantic partners, or any attempt to circumvent safety systems. Currently, the tool is experimental, and experiences featuring these AI characters cannot be published until it reaches a beta stage, for which no timeline has been provided.

Key takeaway

For *Fortnite* creators exploring new player engagement methods, Epic's experimental AI conversations tool offers a novel way to build dynamic NPCs. You should familiarize yourself with the strict content guidelines, particularly regarding romantic or health-related personas, to ensure compliance. While publishing is not yet possible, experimenting now can prepare you for future beta releases and innovative gameplay experiences.

Key insights

Epic Games now offers a Gemini 3.1-powered tool for creating AI characters with unscripted dialogue in *Fortnite*.

Principles

• Define AI character persona via simple prompts.
• Prohibit AI characters as romantic partners or health guides.

Method

Creators define an NPC's persona (thoughts, knowledge, behavior) using prompts and select a voice, enabling unscripted dialogue and interactions powered by Google Gemini 3.1.

In practice

• Create dynamic quest givers.
• Develop interactive narrators.

Topics

• Fortnite
• AI Characters
• Epic Games
• Google Gemini 3.1
• Conversational AI

Best for: NLP Engineer, AI Product Manager, Software Engineer, AI Engineer, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Verge.