Google has unveiled its advanced Veo 3 AI video generator, which can produce Fortnite gameplay clips that are nearly impossible to distinguish from live footage.
Launched this week, Veo 3 has already sparked discussion with its ability to turn simple text prompts into strikingly lifelike videos, complete with realistic audio.
While other AI models like OpenAI's Sora also generate video, Veo 3’s seamless integration of authentic audio represents a significant—and somewhat unsettling—advancement.
Early Veo 3 users are already exploring the tool’s capabilities. In just days, they've produced fake Fortnite gameplay with AI-generated streamer commentary—clips so convincing they could easily pass as real YouTube or Twitch content.
While Veo 3 is designed not to infringe copyright, Epic Games has not approved the use of Fortnite content. The AI appears to have learned from vast amounts of online gameplay footage, allowing it to recreate familiar visuals and scenarios on demand.
One instance involved a short prompt: "Streamer getting a victory royale with just his pickaxe." Veo 3 accurately interpreted the request and generated a clip showing exactly that—complete with celebratory commentary.
Uhhh... I don't think Veo 3 is supposed to be generating Fortnite gameplay pic.twitter.com/bWKruQ5Nox
— Matt Shumer (@mattshumer_) May 21, 2025
The tool's understanding of context is notable. Without explicit instruction, it recognized the game being referenced and produced fitting content.
Beyond copyright issues, Veo 3's capabilities raise serious concerns about misinformation. Realistic fake footage could mislead viewers and erode trust in genuine video content.
"I can’t tell if this is real or not," wrote one viewer. Another added, "We're cooked."
"The only way this is possible is if Veo 3 was trained on an enormous amount of Fortnite content," noted a third. "Wouldn’t be surprised if everything that gets uploaded to YouTube is now being trained on despite copyright laws."
IGN has reached out to Epic Games for comment.
Veo 3 isn't limited to gaming. Another example shows it generating a fake news report about a nonexistent car show, including fabricated interviews and voiceovers.
Before you ask: yes, everything is AI here. The video and sound both coming from a single text prompt using #Veo3 by @GoogleDeepMind .Whoever is cooking the model, let him cook! Congrats @Totemko and the team for the Google I/O live stream and the new Veo site! pic.twitter.com/sxZuvFU49s
— László Gaál (@laszlogaal_) May 21, 2025
Microsoft is also developing AI-generated game footage. Its Muse program, trained on hours of Bleeding Edge gameplay, was recently showcased. Xbox lead Phil Spencer suggested Muse could help brainstorm game ideas and support preservation efforts.
However, Muse’s reveal—including synthetic Quake 2 gameplay—has fueled debate over whether such tools might reduce creative roles or replace human input in game development.
Fortnite itself has dabbled in AI. Last week, the game added a generative AI version of Darth Vader, trained on James Earl Jones’ voice. Although officially licensed and approved by Jones’ estate, the feature drew criticism from SAG-AFTRA, which filed an unfair labor practice charge.
