My epiphany regarding SotA’s image problem for new players

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Woodchuck, Jul 25, 2018.

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  1. Woodchuck

    Woodchuck Avatar

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    It finally hit me!

    It’s lack of npc/game narration !

    Up until now I couldn’t put a finger on why this game felt different, and why many may regard it as “niche” or not ‘mainstream’.

    I think if there were real voice actors reading what the npc’s were saying it would totally give SotA a much more polished feel, not to mention do wonders for immersion (especially for those seeking the immersive single player experience).

    What are your thoughts on this?

    Imagine SotA npcs had real voices each time you interact with them.

    I think it’s the missing “dimension” to this game, and why it feels like there’s something missing or incomplete. (and why SotA may not be as well received as it should be in the eyes of people playing it for the first time)
     
  2. Feeyo

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    Voice actors are pretty expensive.....
     
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  3. Oakenhammer

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    Voice acting would be awesome, but it's pretty expensive.
     
  4. oplek

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    It's quite a commitment too. Suppose some dialog is changed, and the original voice actor isn't available. You essentially have to re-voice all the existing dialog for that character.

    It's one thing if you have a single-player game that'll be stamped out and permanent.
     
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  5. Alley Oop

    Alley Oop Bug Hunter Bug Moderator

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    i would rather not. i (as most people) read much faster than people talk.
     
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  6. Proteus Tempest

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  7. Deana Beretta

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    Yeah, I have nothing against voice acting, but as others are pointing out, it's expensive. Also, when you look at the most successful MMO in existence (WoW), they have barely any voice acting at all (despite having the largest budget, the largest playerbase, etc..). Not saying that voice acting couldn't improve the game (particularly the intro sequence), but developers are always looking for low-hanging fruit. For anything more difficult, they have to prioritize. I'd say that voice acting definitely does not qualify as low-hanging fruit. And for more difficult tasks, voice acting may be on the list, but I have to imagine it's prioritized pretty low.
     
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  8. GreyMouser Skye

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    Just transition narration along the main storyline would be a plus.
    "You have met the Oracle, that strange mechanical face, and it has left you feeling curious yet guarded. Will it help you or hinder you? More research into the Obsidians might shed some light."
    Hire fans, we have the skills and would do it for peanuts. Digital peanuts at least.

    Etc.
     
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  9. redfish

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    People in the player base who call it "niche" are talking it into a corner. There's no reason Shroud couldn't be mainstream.

    I think the game still needs some improvements to have it shine, though, and to stand out from the crowd it should try find its vision, rather than trying to be like every other MMO, and I think the Kickstarter vision is a good place to start and a good anchor.

    I think voice acting is pretty insignificant to this in the big picture.
     
  10. Feeyo

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    Best to give the npc's short voice sentences, not full text to voice. This would be more a eye candy feature, I would much more prefer to have the new questing system working.
     
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  11. Brian4

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    I volunteer my voice for digital goodies no monetary stuff needed
     
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  12. Alleine Dragonfyre

    Alleine Dragonfyre Avatar

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    Voice acting in MMOs only came about with SWTOR and ESO. I'm pretty sure no others have it. Is it cool? Sure. Is it incredibly expensive and complicated to implement. Yup.

    That said, however, I'd be more than willing to volunteer my voice if needed.
     
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  13. Cora Cuz'avich

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    Just have LB do all of the voices. Remember the intro to Serpent Isle? High. Caliber.
     
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  14. redfish

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    Just so people can watch it in all its glory,
     
  15. Rufus D`Asperdi

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    About every AAA RPG Title I've played over the last decade... Certainly every BioWare title...
     
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  16. Vodalian

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    True it would and a new dimension. But I would rather improve and expand NPC dialogue in its current form. That would also go a long way to make the game feel more alive.
     
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  17. Stundorn

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    Although i like the idea in general, the other Languages still arent ready.
    And to be honest, i wish more for Guards with some more knowledge about the Town they are protecting.
    These guys even cannot Direct you to a Shop in the Town.

    There are lot of small things what also improve this dense atmosphere and make it a more believable world.

    I would even stop thinking about Ep2 and fix and improve all we already have.
     
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  18. Feeyo

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    Wow wow, Age of Conan had voice acting and even The Secret World. :)
     
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  19. Xee

    Xee Bug Hunter

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    this made be think about what is coming, with the Player dungeons and quest system will they give POT owners the ability to do dialog for NPCs in their towns?
    I do think that would help for POT towns. As to NPC towns I agree, however I have noticed they have added a lot to the NPC's as of late. there is more rumors etc.
     
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  20. Xee

    Xee Bug Hunter

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    along with Alliene's post, the issue is costs. look at the initial costs for all these games a lot was voice acting.

    perhaps make voice acting stretch goals lol.
     
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