While it sounds simple in theory, maintaining voice consistency over the years comes with its own set of challenges:
- Change in Voice Actors One of the most common issues in long-running franchises is the change in voice talent. Actors may retire, become unavailable, or the studio may simply want to go in a new direction. When this happens, the challenge becomes how to replace the voice without disrupting the continuity of the character. Think of how the Assassin’s Creed franchise switched voice actors for Ezio Auditore or how the Tomb Raider series went through a change in Lara Croft’s voice. The goal is to find someone who can either match or bring the same energy and emotion to the character as the original actor.
- Aging and Vocal Changes Over time, an actor’s voice naturally changes due to aging or shifts in vocal health. For example, Nolan North, who voiced Nathan Drake in the Uncharted series, had to adjust his performance as the character aged across the series. This means that even if the voice actor stays the same, their vocal performance has to evolve along with the character.
- Changes in Technology and Recording Techniques As technology advances, so do the methods of recording and mixing voiceovers. The sound quality, processing tools, and mixing techniques used in new installments may differ from earlier games. This means that voice actors and sound engineers need to adapt the recording process to match the “old sound” while still embracing new technology.
Balancing the Old and the New
In the context of major game franchises, it’s important to strike a balance between maintaining the core identity of the character’s voice and allowing room for growth. While fans expect to hear familiar sounds, they also want to see how their beloved characters evolve over time.
For instance, in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the character of Dragonborn needed to sound like a hero, but the voice also had to reflect the personal journey of the player. In The Witcher series, Geralt’s voice not only carries the weight of his past but also changes subtly as he interacts with the world around him. These nuanced performances give the characters a sense of depth, while still staying true to the voice that fans have come to know and love.
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