Bethesda’s Approach to Voiced Protagonists: Should We See More in Future Games?

Bethesda has garnered attention for its decision not to have voiced protagonists in some of its games, such as Fallout 4. However, it is interesting to note that the initial plan was to have a fully voiced main character. Elias Toufexis, the voice actor, confirmed on his Twitter account that he and his Starfield colleague Cissy Jones were originally intended to lend their voices to the male and female protagonists of the game. Ultimately, though, this idea was discarded, and they were instead cast as the companions Sam Coe and Andreja.

While some may have been disappointed by the absence of a voiced protagonist, Toufexis praised Bethesda for their decision. He acknowledged the fleeting nature of opportunities in the gaming industry, stating, „Once you’re out, you’re out.“ However, he commended the quality of the voices given to the companions in Starfield. It is worth noting that no one lost their job due to the choice of having a silent protagonist.

This approach raises the question of whether future Bethesda games should include voiced protagonists. While a voiced main character can enhance immersion and emotional connection for players, it can also limit player agency and personal interpretation of the role. By allowing players to project their own thoughts and emotions onto a silent protagonist, Bethesda provides a blank canvas for players to shape the experience according to their own imagination.

Ultimately, the decision lies with Bethesda and what they believe best suits the narrative and player experience of their games. Perhaps taking into consideration both the positives and negatives of voiced protagonists, future Bethesda games could strike a balance that satisfies fans‘ desire for emotional depth while preserving the player’s agency. Only time will tell what direction they choose to take.

FAQ

Q: Why did Bethesda decide not to have voiced protagonists in some of their games?
A: Although an initial plan was to have a fully voiced main character, Bethesda ultimately decided against it.

Q: Who were originally intended to voice the male and female protagonists of Starfield?
A: Elias Toufexis and Cissy Jones were initially planned to lend their voices to the male and female protagonists, but this idea was later scrapped.

Q: Did anyone lose their job due to the choice of a silent protagonist in Starfield?
A: No, despite the change in plans, no one lost their job. Elias Toufexis and Cissy Jones were instead cast as companions in the game.

Q: Should Bethesda include more voiced protagonists in their future games?
A: The decision to include voiced protagonists ultimately depends on Bethesda’s vision and the desired player experience for each game.