James Ohlen is the Creative Director and Lead Designer of The Old Republic, | ||
| Character | Line | Comment |
| Phone rings | ||
| Shauna: | Hello | In a good mood |
| James: | Are you in a good mood? | |
| Shauna: | Yes…? | Suspicious |
| James: | You know how the game was going to be multiple times bigger than any game we’d ever done? | |
| Shauna: | Yes… every NPC gets recorded. | More suspicious |
| James: | We did a prototype. | |
| Shauna: | OK… | Very hesitant |
| James: | We want to voice all of the characters including all player characters. | |
| James: | Hello? | |
| Shauna: | Pardon me? | Weak in the knees |
| James: | We decided that we-- | |
| Shauna: | I heard you, but this is already the biggest game we have ever done. What does that do to the line count? | Cutting James off |
| James: | We're estimating hundreds of thousands of lines, give or take a few thousand. | |
| Shauna: | Wow... You’re insane, completely insane, you know that don't you? | After an uncomfortable silence |
| From that moment forth my nickname for James became “Crazy Man”. | ||
And so began the crazy odyssey of voice-over (VO) production for Star Wars™: The Old Republic™. It would be a joint effort between BioWare and LucasArts. BioWare would write all the scripts, create the schedule and be responsible for the tracking and integration of all VO assets. The LucasArts Audio Department, led by Darragh O’Farrell, would handle recording the voice talent and sending the VO assets to BioWare.
I was excited for the chance to work with the LucasArts Audio team. They had done the VO for a previous BioWare game, Star Wars™: Knights of the Old Republic™, before I joined the company and it had been very well received. In fact, when I joined the world of VO production for games, my goal was to match the KOTOR quality bar.
But – The Old Republic would have at least ten times the lines of dialogue of KOTOR. Since neither BioWare nor LucasArts had experience on a project of this magnitude, this was an exciting and intimidating challenge. BioWare would be responsible for providing the reams and reams of scripts, as well as, managing the writing/VO production schedule. The LucasArts team would be responsible for finding the actors, recording and post processing the dialogue.
So how do we do it?As I said, The Old Republic is the size of at least 10 KOTORs recorded back to back. Basically, it takes a very large team all focused on the same outcome - producing the most VO assets ever produced at the highest quality possible. There are dedicated internal teams at both LucasArts and BioWare, and externally, there are also multiple studio audio engineers and post production teams. On any given day, there can be over a dozen people working specifically on The Old Republic voice-over and that doesn’t include any actors!
The ProcessIt all starts with the writing. The story is written by a team of writers and signed off by the Principal Lead Writer. Then it is handed off to the dialogue editor where it receives a pass for ‘voice’. This ensures consistency and also that the writing is the tightest it can be to be delivered by voice actors.
Once the editing passes are complete, the conversations are formatted into scripts for the actors. Like all BioWare games, dialogue in The Old Republic is nonlinear. As a player, you can select from a number of different conversation lines which, in turn, lead to multiple options for NPC responses. This creates highly complex scripts (unlike a movie or television scripts which are linear). In studio, all the various permutations of the story must be recorded - and often in a variety of orders. Because the scripts are nonlinear, we have to provide enough context for the actors to understand what is going on. We need to set the scene for them.
There are two ways we work to ensure the actors have what they need to deliver a quality performance. First, prior to any large section of the game being recorded, the Principal Lead Writer meets with the VO directors for a story summit. They spend hours discussing the story content and going into detail about many of the characters. This is very powerful for the directors and I can assure you it doesn’t occur on all video games. This gives the directors crucial information to be able to successfully direct the performance.
The actors’ voice-over scripts are another tool we use to communicate our intention. Each new conversation script starts with a synopsis outlining the setting and purpose of the conversation. As well, “voice-over comments” are provided for all lines of dialogue, so that the intention of the writer is completely clear to the actor and the director.
After each batch of dialogue is recorded, it is edited and post processed as per the character requirements. This work is then verified and put into the game.
So, how do we ensure quality and consistency across hundreds of thousands of lines of dialogue? You have to work with the best and be willing to throw away the stuff that doesn’t work. Often it takes hearing a character in-game, or hearing a combination of characters together, to be sure that you have achieved the quality that you need. The LucasArts and BioWare teams each review the voice-over in the game and then make final decisions as to what will stay and what will be re-recorded. In the end, while the script calls for hundreds of thousands of lines of dialogue, we will actually have recorded much more than that! And by the time this project wraps, we will have completed easily over a thousand four-hour voice-over sessions!
Here are some other tidbits about the VO on The Old Republic:- The voice-over is being recorded in 5 different cities (so far); Los Angeles , London, New York, San Francisco, and Toronto
- By the time the project is finished, we will have worked with hundreds of actors - many on multiple occasions.
- The entire game ‘script’ contains approximately 40+ novels worth of content.
- One of the biggest challenges of the production: consistency in pronunciation across the whole project! You would be amazed at how many ways there are to say “Thul” or “Holo” Projector. An audio pronunciation guide sure has helped :).
Shauna Perry
Director of Audio and Localization
Make sure you’ll receive Star Wars: The Old Republic emails. Add swtor@newsletter.biowaremail.com and no-reply@bioware.swtor.com to your address book.
shauna perry | voice-over
COMMENTS
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i think i would blast every last sith...YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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im so glad bioware is part of this there idea of story is beyond shakespeares after the fop of swg nge im glad to see a real company game developer/game god make a star wars mmo...the right way star wars is about the story not just a complete grind fest sure the politics and economy/civilization were great in swg but other then that it was a complete grindfest swtor is going to be the first to take a real shot at story many have tried including wow(fail)but biowae knows story like lucasarts knows its lightsaber parts hit us with the beta soon |
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The amount of voice over work being done is absolutely mind boggling. Kudos to BioWare and LucasArts! |
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This will be the greatest game in the history of Gaming! I am SO CHUFFED that after getting screwed out of Galaxies by SOE there is finally a company worthy of the Star Wars Universe doing it right! I have been a HUGE fan a Bioware ever since my first go at Baldur's Gate. From that point on, I have not once been disappointed with their projects. In fact, they are the ideal company to do something of this magnitude. Thank you God, for Bioware and Lucas. Let the (beta) Games Begin!!! |
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I remember hearing this announcement, and my jaw hitting the floor...I was astounded by the sheer amount of work that is clearly going into this game...If the dialogue is of the same quality or better than KOTOR than this game is going to be so consuming and amazing...that I won't know what to do with the rest of my life (Besides school and possibly finally getting a girlfriend)... |
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CerebusAlteri
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What is really going to amuse me to be honest is them recording 4 novels worth of branching dialogue and be more consistent than that other rpg company can be for 1/60th the voice work in one game. |
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lol i love how half of this doesn't even pertain to the Dev Blog roflcopter i love flame wars >.< |
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I have no doubt in my mind - NO doubt, that this is going to be an amazing piece of work by Bioware. The real question is - how on earth will they remain consistent with this level of quality setting the bar for all the future expansions, content patches, etc.? Hopefully they're not biting off more than they can chew - who knows how popular this MMO could get. |
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I just wanted to extend my applause and thanks for undertaking this. I know a couple of people that have done some VO work and I'm astonished that any company would take it on. But if your guys past works have shown us anything if anyone can do it BioWare and LucasArts are the ones to go for it. Good Luck Shauna. |
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any sith guilds recruiting |
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I'm thinking the holidays 2010 is their goal. The real question is will they reach it? It staggers the mind. |
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Im going to kill every jedi i see that's all i gotta say |
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This game looks great! Even the chocie making just like kotor. Its like a T'wilec orgy in Nar Shaddah! |
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So I got to thinking since there are only three classes currently posted..., what about Antarian Rangers? That would be an amazing class. Think about it, force augmented commandos that are trained to protect and serve the Jedi. How freaking cool would it be to have force adept special forces running around in the game? They could even make it so that Jedi and Rangers get even stronger when together with complimentary buffs. Plus, this is definitely the time where the Antarian Rangers would have been out and in force. Just saying, it would be freakin' sweet. Just a thought since other classes haven't been developed yet. |
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when does this game come out |
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This sucks I gotta go play Champions Online until this comes out... so hurry up and come out already! |
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this game looks great. but does anyone know when we could be expecting this game to be released? late 2009 or 2010? |
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Did you guys hear me? 2010! that is impossible , but the N.A.G magazine confirmed it. |
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Hmmmm, according to the new-age-gaming magazine... swtor is confirmed to be released in 2010. |
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I really want this game. From what I've seen so far, the game looks to be truly amazing |
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Xaviertando
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Hk-47 or T3 Gonna show up? Ebon Hawk? Anybody from KOTOR or Kotor ll? What happened to Revan and what happened to the exile? Why make the sequel 300 years later, it only leaves the smallest chance of getting some answers from the previous two cliffhangers, er, I mean games. |
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cant wait till it comes out. |
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there are loads of guilds already, but there dont seem to be any for smugglers, why is this? why is everyone so hyped up for the jedi and sith? the game is looks like it will be almost entirely those two classes, and if it stays that way into the game, it will not be very diverse. i hope this changes otherwise i am gonna get very bored of killing force wielders *sigh*. The Jedi rule the planets, but the smugglers rule the streets. cant wait |
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Couldn't agree with you more |
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MorayDeath
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Um im curios whens this game going to be up and running? |
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Mmmm 40+ Novels. Its gonna be the greatest, longest Audio Book/game ever! I wonder if the lightsabers are gonna talk! I hope so. |
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This game is one of the best i have ever seen, Being a star wars fan ive always wantede a good SW MMO. This game is not only going to rock the stores but if it gets enough hype and the beta gose over well this game might just beat the sales that WoW did on it's release date, lets just hope that it dose cause it will be one of the biggest things that the gaming industry has seen in the past 5 years. Im going to the midnight realese, Being in high school kinda hampers that though. But when you parents are as big of starwars fans that mine are i think i can get away with a few days of no school =) |
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BTW The WoW day 1 sales were 240,000 |
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i really hope this is free like guild wars if not then f--- it ill pick up mass effect 2 and the new halos |
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Did you know that the jedi Logo, looks close to the logo for Battle Star Galticia's logo. spead out wings. the two almost look a like. |
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much needs to be done about mmo's ... its almost starting to become stereotypical.. when you mention mmo in a title you generally think about countless hours spent at the screen running from point A to point B to get some stupid rock or bracelet.. or mashing the keyboard and constantly tapping a mouse button to kill some weak swamp monster or bloody bat...dynamics of a mmo must be changed in order to draw different types of crowds... there has always been a clear line drawn between f2p and p2p (free to play and pay to play) and many see it as pointless to even attempt to climb the ranks because some rich prick can just buy his way to the top... this is wrong.. we need a game where the playing field is even.. this game is either going to be the graetest thing that has graced my screen.. or just another galaxies... im so anxious to find out.... |
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This game is amazing, their is no doubt in my mind, that it will rock the stores. I dont care what happens im going for this game when it hit stores, but enough about that, i want to point out a small fear i have which might turn into a big one when the time comes near. With a game fully voiced, how long you think it will take to make an expansion of this game if its ever made? People have to face that, their will be a guild/clan that will go through the game real fast, have all the gear or whatever you need to be buffed up and if you dont come out with an expansion, they will get bored. And if you want to stick with this commitment of a fully voiced game, which i really admire, you will have time on your shoulders, those end game guilds/clans banging on the doors of the next end boss/encounter have power in the end. I say this because i am a end game raider in World of warcraft and i know how much power some guilds have, especially the world first guilds, it has come to a point they practically own the game and decide when stuff is gonna come out. That is basically the only fear i have, i know this game will be great, i had the privilege to see some gameplay there in the documentary, looks amazing, very fast paced i love that, the animations are epic, im sure i will be very entertained when this comes out. But keep what i just said in mind, basically the only obstacle will be time, but its a big one if you dont know how to take care of it. Thank you! and keep up the good work. |
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I agree that would be awesome! |
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Ahhh! I wish I lived in one of those cities so that I could try to do voice over work for the game that would be awesome |
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can we turn into a sith if we a jedi?.....i want the game to come out tommrow....sadly it cant =[ |
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The game's supposed to come out next year, but I don't know when next year. If I had to guess I would say midway or near the end of next year, because with a game this size they'll probably keep pushing the release date back. |
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It sucks that we have to wait so long (or at least it feels that way) :(. But when it does come out it will be awesome!!!!! |
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KILL ME! IF I LIVE ANOTHER SECOND I'LL DIE! IT NEEDS TO COME OUT NOW! |
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Btw I think it works sort of like the other games in that you can betray your party and change sides if you want... but i could be wrong... anyway i think you might have to play for the same side most of the game... |
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When does it actually come out? I can't seem to get a straight answer... |
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When does it actually come out? I can't seem to get a straight answer... |
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Wow games not even out yet, with no release date, and recruitment is coming strong. This games gonna be nuts. |
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theres a release date. its september 4th (to 6th) |
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Hay if anyone wants to know for sure about the classes look towards the cinematic trailers game art. If i know lucasarts, they want it to be a puzzle not just sitting and waiting. Just look at the attack on the Jedi Temple not all were jedi or sith. There were blaster shots. And i know they all weren't bounty hunters. I think there will be a reg soldier class allow you to rank up in the sith army until you become an fleet admiral, or something like that. Form your own ideas look at the people in the setting and what will be fitting. Triple Check the vids look at everything. Then in turn you will find clues. Or just wait. |
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Greetings, I am Thrakan Vong of the Vanguards of the Republic. We are a Jedi/ Trooper guild and are gathering members to restore balance (kill the Sith). We are PvP RP and are very active in the SwtOR community. If you are interested in joining our guild, please feel free to message me by clicking on our Avatar. I will tell you everything you need to do to join. May the Force be with you. |
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Quote - "The Jedi do not believe in killing there prisoners." ( Bastila said that in SWKOTOR ) |
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hmmm.... I am interested to see how this goes for this voice over program that they are putting in this game. i can prodict a lot of problems but i can also see a lot of good from this i hope everything works out with this. |
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there is so much going to be in this game so I see 2 problams for the average person and this game: 1.it sounds like you will need a $2000 computer to actually enjoy the game ( without it freezing every 5 seconds.) |
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I don't know how they are going to get voices for EVERY NPC and Character Players |
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If you have played recent games made by bioware (Star Wars KOTOR and KOTOR 2) P.S. Does anyone know if it will be for systems |
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