2.0 Voice Acting

We all know more voice acting is going to be implemented in 2.0, but how much and at what cost? I don't want voice acting if it's going to be low quality, or if it costs to much and that money could have been put else where to make the game better. Yes, voice acting is nice, makes CS and other S's much more enjoyable. That's why I think its best to keep the Main storyline voice acted an leave the rest to text.

Pretty much I want, quality>quantity.

What do you guys think? please give your comment, hate, opinions, and generic rokien comment.

Also I would like to see random talking on the streets as I walk by npcs(don't really care about quality here, more of an atmosphere thing).

Good news from an interview!

"MP : Today, a lot of MMO are using voice over and cutscenes in their quests, even in small quests, what about Final Fantasy XIV 2.0 ?

Yoshida : For the main quests and the main scenario, we will going to have full voice over, not only in English but in French, German and Japanese as well. However, we have a concept not to voice over the general quests. The reason we decided not to voice the normal quests is because we believe having more quests is the most important thing; if we want to have an update every two months, and let's say, we add 200 quests, and if we want to have voices in four languages over these 200 quests, it's going to take four months to do the voice over. Rather than spending time in voicing these quests, we wanted to keep adding more small quests but we will make sure the main story line will have full voice over."

is there any achivement creating X number of threads?

PD: gameplay > voice acting

Yeah. I don't want every single little quest textbox to have voice acting, but still, anything warranting a cutscene definitely needs voice acting.

I guess random chatter would be more immserive, but it would get annoying fast. Maybe a toggle or something?


Also, Rokien thread.

I'm pretty sure it will be for cutscenes only.

As long as its all Main story quests even the minor ones!

I hope it's just cut-scenes only with minor voice acting on NPCs outside of cut-scenes - giggles, grunts, cheers, cry, etc. Special NPCs like vendors or Grand Company NPCs can say a few special lines like "Welcome", "Check out my wares", "Welcome, lieutenant", "Congratulations!", or whatever.

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Originally Posted by Rokien

We all know more voice acting is going to be implemented in 2.0, but how much and at what cost? I don't want voice acting if it's going to be low quality, or if it costs to much and that money could have been put else where to make the game better. Yes, voice acting is nice, makes CS and other S's much more enjoyable. That's why I think its best to keep the Main storyline voice acted an leave the rest to text.

Pretty much I want, quality>quantity.

What do you guys think? please give your comment, hate, opinions, and generic rokien comment.

Also I would like to see random talking on the streets as I walk by npcs(don't really care about quality here, more of an atmosphere thing).

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It can be quite a waste. Just look at SWTOR and its huge budget, a lot of which was spent on worthless voice acting. But there's also areas in FFXIV which feel very muted. In this regard, some voice acting, either from the mobs or NPCs could be a worthwhile addition. Monsters and NPCs , both in and outside of the cutscenes seem so silent and dead, and that's where voice acting could improve the game.

But again, voice acting for every sidequest would probably just be a waste of resources.

everything related to the main storyline
generic npc's can also be voiced(merchants,leve npc,etc...).this will be simple to do since there is pretty much only 2 voices,one for male and one for female npc's
player characters can also be voiced if they arent getting cheap by this point

main storyline onry.

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Originally Posted by Rokien

We all know more voice acting is going to be implemented in 2.0, but how much and at what cost? I don't want voice acting if it's going to be low quality, or if it costs to much and that money could have been put else where to make the game better. Yes, voice acting is nice, makes CS and other S's much more enjoyable. That's why I think its best to keep the Main storyline voice acted an leave the rest to text.

Pretty much I want, quality>quantity.

What do you guys think? please give your comment, hate, opinions, and generic rokien comment.

Also I would like to see random talking on the streets as I walk by npcs(don't really care about quality here, more of an atmosphere thing).

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Well, the voice acting in my head can be pretty amazing when I'm not tired. So it'd have to be even with that. Almost certainly just cutscenes for the most part, key character voices, of good quality.

Generally, whenever voices are meant for immersion or ambiance, they need to fit one other criteria: matching whatever other factors are giving those two already, generally the music or level of ambient noise already in the area. If you have an area with sweeping music going, fading on the voices should probably (though preferably toggle-able) more or less match the dynamics of the music to grant a combined feel. Ul'duh naturally wouldn't especially have this problem. If added though, there would need to be a large library of voices and dialogue, and then adjustable levels for how much dialogue you want to be hearing (all, dimmed background, responsive only, etc).

Generally I agree with Raistlin though. Gameplay > voice acting. However, I do think that voice acting can potentially parallel gameplay in many ways, as long as it contributes to the same sources or overall feel that gameplay runs on, but that takes something more drastic and wholesome, and is probably beyond SE's capabilities at this time. I realize that's fairly vague, sorry.

Edit: I wonder how efficient slave...err... fan labor would be in these regards. Fans' voice types given, voice types associated with NPCs, character dialogue styles given to the fans, additional dialogue made to best match it, then fans voice the characters they match. Name goes in credits. Happy fan. Free outside of original organization and slight management and QC afterwards, with a large vocal base to work with.

I kind of have to agree with the OP here.

I think voice acting is a great addition to any story. I'll be happy if its only in high quality cut scenes or not. Does not bother me.

But one thing I hope SE do is at least add emotions to NPC's. Like when you talk to an NPC they'll react to you and make body movements like if they're actually talking with you instead of standing still like a statue.

Main story/expansion stories. Small quests, nah

I'm a bit worried about character voices...

There is one voice for Lalafell that isn't incredibly creepy to have on a child-looking thing, and it's still annoying because it sounds like a 4 year old. There is one voice for Hyur and Elezen that I don't find incredibly annoying. There is one voice for Miqo'te that I find bearable. There is one voice for Roegadyn that actually fits with my image of them.

It feels like I have no choice when it comes to voices since there is only one voice for each race and sex that I actually find bearable.

Not everything needs to be VA'd. As someone mentioned, look at TOR. Hearing someone ramble on and on and on about why they need me to collect 5 goat horns isn't any better than reading someone ramble on and on about it. Either way, it just feels like a waste of time not to skip through.

For major scenes, sure, VA helps a lot. Getting to hear the voice of one of the Legatus' was cool.

Personally, I prefer VA for the little things, rather than for story dialog (if it has to be an either/or). By little things, I mean I'd love stuff like vendors saying "What would you like to buy?" when you click on them or Imperials in Castrum Novum shouting things like "Invaders!" and "Get them!" when they aggro. That kind of stuff builds atmosphere and makes the world and NPCs feel more alive, IMO.

I think if there's going to be spoken dialog for story text, it should only be for important things. SE shouldn't waste the time, money, and whatever other resources on a lot of the long-winded and pointless filler dialog in the game.

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Originally Posted by BlueMage

Not everything needs to be VA'd. As someone mentioned, look at TOR. Hearing someone ramble on and on and on about why they need me to collect 5 goat horns isn't any better than reading someone ramble on and on about it. Either way, it just feels like a waste of time not to skip through.

For major scenes, sure, VA helps a lot. Getting to hear the voice of one of the Legatus' was cool.

Personally, I prefer VA for the little things, rather than for story dialog (if it has to be an either/or). By little things, I mean I'd love stuff like vendors saying "What would you like to buy?" when you click on them or Imperials in Castrum Novum shouting things like "Invaders!" and "Get them!" when they aggro. That kind of stuff builds atmosphere and makes the world and NPCs feel more alive, IMO.

I think if there's going to be spoken dialog for story text, it should only be for important things. SE shouldn't waste the time, money, and whatever other resources on a lot of the long-winded and pointless filler dialog in the game.

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Not to mention how much space TOR wastes on your hard drive for all their VA >_>

I actually rescind one of my comments about passive voice acting. I think it would be awesome in something like Caravans or Dungeons or something.

For instance (no pun intended), so you happen upon a group of Imperials in Aurum Vale. They should be shocked. They should sound an alarm. They should warn their allies that they've spotted the enemy and should rally together.
Voices here would be appropriate.

Or, say, Urianger pops up in Ul'dah and starts shouting about Dalamud. That would be cool too.

I haven't had the issues with the voice acting the game has had so far maybe just a little bit more but not to the point of where it say like... examples.... the new Kid Iccarus game that's on the 3ds (then again maybe it was just the va's that i didn't like like the stupid one from 13 god what was her name .... Vanille I hated her voice actress kept going in an out of whatever accent she was trying to pull off and killed the voice for me) but yeah a little more voice acting like for the main story and even maybe the class stories and such but not every cut scene se makes has to have a voice acting in it.

That's good to see everyone on the same cord on this topic!

The npcs around the world could be voiced by vocaloid for all I care lol Heck, that would be an easy way to change what they say on a weekly base. It just helps makes it not so dead as a few of you have said.

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Originally Posted by Rokien

We all know more voice acting is going to be implemented in 2.0, but how much and at what cost? I don't want voice acting if it's going to be low quality, or if it costs to much and that money could have been put else where to make the game better. Yes, voice acting is nice, makes CS and other S's much more enjoyable. That's why I think its best to keep the Main storyline voice acted an leave the rest to text.

Pretty much I want, quality>quantity.

What do you guys think? please give your comment, hate, opinions, and generic rokien comment.

Also I would like to see random talking on the streets as I walk by npcs(don't really care about quality here, more of an atmosphere thing).

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Every cutscenes must have voice acting. Period

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Originally Posted by Noir

Every cutscenes must have voice acting. Period

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why? that could make them very low quality voice acting. Who want's that?

In order of importance:

1.) Main Storyline
2.) Grand company quests (assuming not the same as the main storyline)
3.) Job quests

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Originally Posted by Zyph

In order of importance:

1.) Main Storyline
2.) Grand company quests (assuming not the same as the main storyline)
3.) Job quests

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Class Quests too if they're still around

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Originally Posted by Rau

I actually rescind one of my comments about passive voice acting. I think it would be awesome in something like Caravans or Dungeons or something.

For instance (no pun intended), so you happen upon a group of Imperials in Aurum Vale. They should be shocked. They should sound an alarm. They should warn their allies that they've spotted the enemy and should rally together.
Voices here would be appropriate.

Or, say, Urianger pops up in Ul'dah and starts shouting about Dalamud. That would be cool too.

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Exactly.

Small phrases or things like "Hey, how's it going?" when you talk to a NPC makes the game a little better.

And for those that say "story line only plz!", don't tell me you all hate the imperial that says "My death means nothing....", it's pretty cool and more of those would be awesome.

Edit, here's the link for those that don't know what I'm talking about: http://youtu.be/sCtMdPJ4o5U

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Originally Posted by Rokien

why? that could make them very low quality voice acting. Who want's that?

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Oh god not another FFX *shudder*

Voice acting in towns, walking past NPCs and hearing them have a conversation would give the world a sense of living. Even if limited would improve it imo.

I like as much voice acting as possible in any MMO, but of course always quality over quantity.
I would love to see it in more than just cut-scenes if possible, but I'll be happy with whatever SE can give us for voice acting.

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Originally Posted by Nabiri

I like as much voice acting as possible in any MMO, but of course always quality over quantity.
I would love to see it in more than just cut-scenes if possible though.

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That's good and all but like....... just look at star wars... it's terrible, bland, no emotion. I get how it can help with the flow of the story and game, ya, I get that. Then I realize I watch movies with subtitles and anime. I don't know what they are saying if I just listen, they could be mute for all I care. I can still read and see their emotion.

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Originally Posted by Rokien

why? that could make them very low quality voice acting. Who want's that?

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Not really. You can always recycle the same voice actor for many voices. Ie: ranma 1/2 Japanese voice acting. And the quality dont necessarily drop down.

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Originally Posted by BlueMage

Personally, I prefer VA for the little things, rather than for story dialog (if it has to be an either/or). By little things, I mean I'd love stuff like vendors saying "What would you like to buy?" when you click on them or Imperials in Castrum Novum shouting things like "Invaders!" and "Get them!" when they aggro. That kind of stuff builds atmosphere and makes the world and NPCs feel more alive, IMO.

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Little things like this would be amazing~ :D
I wouldn't expect SE to have voice acting for full dialogues of NPCs standing around town.. that would be far to much work. But something like this would be great - a little something when you start talking to them or a "Farewell," at the end. Would make the world feel more alive to me as well. :3

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Originally Posted by Noir

Not really. You can always recycle the same voice actor for many voices. Ie: ranma 1/2 Japanese voice acting. And the quality dont necessarily drop down.

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point but that's not always the same with some of the non japanese va's not all of them are that talented yes they're talented enough to where they can be recycled but with a lot of them you can tell their voices in each anime... also the same goes for japanese animes also. It just really honestly and truely depends on if the va CAN change their voice cause i wouldn't want to hear one voice for one lead character then turn around and hear it for some insiginificant character that really has nothing to do with the story line or quest or what have you

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Originally Posted by Noir

Not really. You can always recycle the same voice actor for many voices. Ie: ranma 1/2 Japanese voice acting. And the quality dont necessarily drop down.

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Ya, because I really wanna hear the same voice for 5 different chars in a CS.....

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Originally Posted by Rokien

That's good and all but like....... just look at star wars... it's terrible, bland, no emotion. I get how it can help with the flow of the story and game, ya, I get that. Then I realize I watch movies with subtitles and anime. I don't know what they are saying if I just listen, they could be mute for all I care. I can still read and see their emotion.

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I watch movies with subs for one reason only. I like to be able to understand it 100% which won't happen when you get some crazy words or music on top of dialogues or lower voicing like listening a conversation over the phone. Animes with subs, because well, Japanese voicing always destroy any dub. I don't get the comparisson. Plus, I would love a way to keep the Japanese voicing on ffxiv with English subs. I would choose that any time over English dub

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Originally Posted by Rokien

Ya, because I really wanna hear the same voice for 5 different chars in a CS.....

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Who said same voicing? Do you know that Seth McFarlane does like dozens of characters? Does it look like the same voice to you? That's why they are called voice acting...

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Originally Posted by Noir

Who said same voicing? Do you know that Seth McFarlane does like dozens of characters? Does it look like the same voice to you? That's why they are called voice acting...

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You can tell it's them..... I watch an anime, I can tell it's a voice actor from this other anime.... It's called having a individual voice. As much as you try and change your voice, your voice is your voice, it will seep out.

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Originally Posted by Noir

Who said same voicing? Do you know that Seth McFarlane does like dozens of characters? Does it look like the same voice to you? That's why they are called voice acting...

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Noir not all Va's are capable of changing their voices like some can. Yes Seth can. I've heard a couple of others as well like Scott Mcneil. However not all of them can nor can they for the Japanese as well I can name like a couple in Japanese who can change their voices that I know of off the top of my head one being Tomakazu Seki (sp) and Takahito Koyasu but not everyone is that talented so yes it would be hearing the same voice for 5 different chars. Take Sho Hayami for example. He's done tones of Va work in Japan and guess what every anime he's in I recognize his voice instantly because he doesn't change it for the characters. Also there hasn't been one anime he's done multiple characters in. IF there has please correct me. Again If they can pull off changing their voices it's fine but it's a very rare talent. Most of them use it for like baby noises and animal noises not other human voices. OR when they do change their voice they're physically doing something to their throat to change their voice to make it go deeper or higher and it hurts them

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Originally Posted by Rokien

You can tell it's them..... I watch an anime, I can tell it's a voice actor from this other anime.... It's called having a individual voice. As much as you try and change your voice, your voice is your voice, it will seep out.

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Are you listening? Of Course if you watch animes like I do you will recognize the voice on different animes. But that won't happen on the SAME anime. Like the guy that does Nathan drake. You can recognize his voice over many games, but not the same voice in uncharted.

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Originally Posted by Noir

Are you listening? Of Course if you watch animes like I do you will recognize the voice on different animes. But that won't happen on the SAME anime. Like the guy that does Nathan drake. You can recognize his voice over many games, but not the same voice in uncharted.

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You are kidding about nolan north right? You can smell his voice from a mile away.

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Originally Posted by Rokien

You are kidding about nolan north right? You can smell his voice from a mile away.

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Yes. You can. That's what I said. When he dubs, you can see his voice is the same over many games. Of course he wouldn't dub more than one voice because he can't. And SE, isn't the company that pays better for nothing. They won't put voice actors like him to dub one game and do many voices. It will look ridiculous. They have $$ to make decent VA.

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Originally Posted by Rokien

We all know more voice acting is going to be implemented in 2.0, but how much and at what cost? I don't want voice acting if it's going to be low quality, or if it costs to much and that money could have been put else where to make the game better. Yes, voice acting is nice, makes CS and other S's much more enjoyable. That's why I think its best to keep the Main storyline voice acted an leave the rest to text.

Pretty much I want, quality>quantity.

What do you guys think? please give your comment, hate, opinions, and generic rokien comment.

Also I would like to see random talking on the streets as I walk by npcs(don't really care about quality here, more of an atmosphere thing).

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Atmosphere would be good. And also, the voice actors they hired for the first round were top-notch.

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Originally Posted by Neptune

Atmosphere would be good. And also, the voice actors they hired for the first round were top-notch.

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Ya, I will agree here, I really liked what little they had, and wanted more.


Will they be the same actors? Or new ones?