Jujutsu Kaisen and Genshin Impact voice actors on creating a video game | BBC News

Key Concepts:

• Visual novel/dating sim
• Dating inanimate objects
• Independent game development
• Voice acting and performance
• SAG-AFTRA strike
• AI in entertainment
• Revenue share backend
• Human-made art vs. AI-generated content

1. Introduction to "Date Everything" and the Team

• Ray Chase (Lead Developer, voice of a datable wall): Known for roles like Sukuna and Shoso in Jujutsu Kaisen and Cyclops in X-Men '97.
• Robbie Daymond (EP, Co-Creative Lead, Lead Voice Director, voice of "the hangers"): Known for roles like Prompto in Final Fantasy 15, Akechi in Persona 5, and Tuxedo Mask in Sailor Moon.
• Amanda Hufford (Line Producer, Writer, Voice Director, voice of the rubber duck): Known for roles like Ragatha in The Amazing Digital Circus and Hina in Genshin Impact.
• Date Everything is a visual novel/dating sim where players can date 102 different objects, including a chair, a table, existential dread, and even the game itself.

2. The Genesis of the Idea

• The idea originated from a conversation between Ray and Robbie about dating sims and the concept of dating "everything."
• Ray took the idea and became the lead designer, driving the project forward.

3. Challenges of Independent Game Development

• The development process was difficult and "almost destroyed their lives" due to the immense effort required.
• The team was not initially paid and had to self-fund a significant portion of the game's development.
• Voice actors maintained their day jobs to sustain themselves during development.

4. Securing a Stellar Cast

• The game features a cast of well-known and talented voice actors.
• The team convinced these actors to voice inanimate objects like a toaster.
• The heart and passion behind the project attracted the cast, who were excited to be involved.
• The team leveraged personal relationships and "favors" to bring in talent.

5. SAG-AFTRA Strike and AI

• The team worked with SAG-AFTRA during the strike to create an independent revenue share backend for the cast.
• The game addresses the issue of AI in entertainment, portraying it in a humorous but critical light.
• The game allows players to date the AI, presenting all sides of the issue.
• The strike was particularly impactful for motion capture actors, whose work is heavily reliant on video games.

6. Impact of the Strike on Performers

• The strike affected performers' ability to meet health insurance minimums and sustain their livelihoods.
• The effects of the strike were not always visible due to the long development cycles of games.
• The team emphasizes that the strike impacted "boots on the ground workers" and not just "greedy actors."

7. "Date Everything" as a Celebration of Craft

• The game is a celebration of performance, art, and human-made content.
• It was created by hand, from programming and QA to initial brainstorming sessions.
• The team believes in the enduring appeal of human-made content with "soul" over perfect AI-generated content.
• Diverse perspectives from writers and actors contributed to the depth and layers of the game's characters and stories.

8. Amanda Hufford's Perspective

• Amanda expresses cautious optimism about the industry, acknowledging the hard work being done to create a better space for emerging talent.
• She appreciates the efforts of experienced individuals who are "holding the door open" for others.

9. Favorite Inanimate Objects

• Amanda's favorite item is "Dorian the door," voiced by Ben Starr, for its privacy, accessibility, and bug-repelling qualities.
• Robbie regrets not including a "headphones" character named "Jack" in the game.
• Amanda's in-game favorite is "Matteo" the blanket, voiced by Ben Bala, due to her personal connection to the character and her love for blankets.

10. Conclusion

• Date Everything is a unique and ambitious project that faced significant challenges during development.
• The game is a testament to the power of human creativity, collaboration, and the importance of fair treatment for performers in the entertainment industry.
• It serves as a celebration of the craft of voice acting and performance, while also addressing important issues such as AI and labor rights.