(Blogtober Day 1)
First things first. What is Blogtober? Blogtober is a challenge to write a blog or article each day, every day in the month of October. 31 posts in 31 days. Please wish me luck!
What Is Voice Over Design?
Voice Over Design is a practice and/or discipline within interactive game development in which systems that involve the playback and performance of voice recordings are designed and implemented within the context of a player’s experience. It should be noted that VO Design systems are not restricted to how and when voice playback occurs, but also how the voice over is performed, written, recorded, and distributed amongst the various assets within the overarching game project.
At least, that’s my definition of it. But much like many other titles or disciplines within game development it could be much more or less than that definition. The reason it can be defined differently from project to project or studio to studio is because it is a fairly young discipline in the grand scheme of game development. While the use of voices in video games, human recorded or synthesized, dates back to the 1970s, only within the last 10 years or so have games had both the memory capacity or scope that such a discipline was essentially necessary for larger titles. But smaller titles have benefitted from the discipline as well, although sometimes less directly.
Is Voice Design An Audio Role?
Yes! And sort of no. While voice design is focused on an audio element of a game it goes quite a bit further than just audio. Here’s a diagram of how I prefer to explain what a voice designer does.
Voice design requires an understanding and a bit of skill and experience in each of these disciplines; audio, game design, and narrative.
Examples of some audio skills used in voice over design:
- Audio recording equipment and techniques
- Audio editing and processing
- Audio implementation
Examples of some game design skills used in voice over design:
- System design
- Player experience
- Technical design
Examples of some narrative skills used in voice over design:
- Character development
- Storytelling
- Story structure and pacing
Other useful skills for voice over design:
- Communication
- Scheduling
- Acting (and directing)
So What Is Voice Over Design Exactly?
Voice over design is a skillset and discipline that evolved from the needs of modern games. It uses voice over as it’s primary tool in order to create an impactful player experience.
Does every game project need a voice designer? The simple answer is no, but that’s a topic for another time…