6. Dialogue for Games

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6. Dialogue for Games
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Dialogue Goals

• Plot progression
• Character development
• Immersion/atmosphere
• Gameplay
• AI indicators
• Task reminders

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Dialogue Challenges

• Repetition
• Scope/scale
• Natural speech
• Timings
• Interactions
• Responses

4
Dialogue Process

• Implementation plan
• File management plan
• Script development
• Casting
• Recording
• Editing/Processing
• Localization

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Developing a Plan Implementation

• Plot-triggered dialog
• Game state-triggered dialog
• Task-oriented
• AI
• Planning for variation

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A File Management Plan

• Enemy1_Level1_Taunt_AllyInjured_1.wav is not a
  scalable technique
• Spreadsheets and databases to track
• Line
• Character
• Actor
• Context
• Multiple takes
• Comments

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Script Development

• Importance of a script writer
• Character descriptions
• As specific as possible
• Backstories fine
• Clear pronunciations for exotic terms
• Process script into database
• Scratch recording or TTS

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Casting

• Using the right voice casting agency
• Doubling/tripling down on talent
• Conversely, ensemble casting
• Session planning
• Present lines ordered by talent, character
• Ensemble performances
• Getting script to actors prior to session

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Recording

• Consistency!
• Define asset delivery format
• Define micing technique, mix levels, etc.
• Consistency of character/line delivery
• Sometimes double duty w/ mo-cap
• Mark content at recording when possible
• Track preferences for takes
• Leave room/time for improvisation
• But be prepared for more work

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Editing/Processing

• Chopping up dialogue
• Understanding phonemes
• Automation and SR/phoneme tools
• Using dialogue for lip sync
• Accuracy in delivered script (CC, localization)
• Processing
• Fixing dialog normalization, EQ, etc.
• Radioization, other manipulation
• Real-time vs. offline

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Localization Not a Slam Dunk

• Recreating characters in other languages
• Local localization?
• Consistent performance capture
• Provide specs, scripts, reference
• Dealing with idiomatic language
• Resident Evil
• Last Alert - pronunciation issues
• For more examples lost in translation
  http//www.audioatrocities.com

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Specific Challenges Stitching

• Particularly used in sports titles
• Understanding cadence
• Need for dialog coaching, testing
• Often up and down versions of each object
• Sentence construction and anomalies
• Localization
• Testing stitched dialog

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Specific Challenges Variation

• Why random pitch doesnt work
• Solutions for dialog variation
• Finding most visited triggers
• Avoiding cloned voices (esp. enemies)
• Shuffle vs. pure randomization

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Specific Challenges Mixing

• Dialog often needs to be most intelligible aspect
  of mix
• Cant just go louder
• Automated ducking, notching/EQing

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Specific Challenges AI

• Tracking character state
• Emotional, physical well-being
• Observations
• Listening, not just emoting
• Example Halo grunt
• Grunt is hurt by
• Melee attack weapon grenade vehicle
• Friendly fire enemy attack
• Was already in combat surprised
• Grunt sees
• Enemy in combat Friend in combat Enemy not in
  combat Friend not in combat Enemy injuring
  friend Friend injuring enemy Friend
  retreating Enemy retreating Last enemy
  defeated Last friend defeated ...

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Example Greeting Character for First Time in MMO

• Basic/Generic (NPCs or players)
• Hello, its nice to meet you.
• Hi there, Im Tommy.
• Specific Goal-oriented (plot-driven)
• Traveler said I should speak with you.
• I was told to ask you about the Coliseum.
• Specific Object-oriented (based on inventory)
• I wish I had something more valuable to barter
  with.
• Specific Context-oriented (based on game/player
  state)
• Did you see which way the marching band went?
• Sorry, Im not feeling so well.

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Todays AssignmentWrite a Script

• Sports commentary
• Events relating to a basic, simple event
• Baseball pitch not put into play
• Football incomplete pass
• Soccer pass
• Break event down into possible states
• 3-5 variations per state
• Specify if stitching should occur, and how