Starfield Dev Explains Decision to Have the Game Feature a Silent Protagonist
The decision to have a silent protagonist in Starfield was made by Bethesda for a few reasons.
- The massive script. Starfield is a massive game with over 200,000 lines of dialogue. Recording all of that dialogue for a voiced protagonist would be a huge undertaking, and it would likely limit the number of dialogue options available to players.
- The ability to create any type of character. Bethesda wants players to be able to create any type of character they want in Starfield, and a silent protagonist allows for more flexibility in this regard. Players can choose the gender, race, appearance, and backstory of their character, and they can also choose how their character speaks and behaves.
- Previous feedback. Some fans of Bethesda’s games have expressed a preference for silent protagonists. In a 2019 survey, 53% of respondents said they preferred a silent protagonist in Fallout 5.
Of course, there are also some downsides to having a silent protagonist. For example, it can make it more difficult for players to connect with their character emotionally. However, Bethesda believes that the benefits of a silent protagonist outweigh the drawbacks.
Here are some of the pros and cons of having a silent protagonist in a video game:
Pros:
- Allows players to create more personalized characters.
- Gives players more control over how their character speaks and behaves.
- Can make the game more immersive.
- Can save on development costs.
Cons:
- Can make it more difficult for players to connect with their character emotionally.
- Can limit the number of dialogue options available to players.
- Can make the game feel less cinematic.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have a silent protagonist is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer to have a character that they can fully control, while others prefer to have a character that they can connect with emotionally.