Final Fantasy 16’s Geordie accents have been a pleasant surprise.
Final Fantasy 16 has been all about the accents, drawing inspiration from Game of Thrones, with regional voices being at the forefront. British voices are common in video games, but representation of different regions is often lacking. Final Fantasy 16 breaks the mold by including Geordie accents, specifically from the North East of England, and the author was initially skeptical, given past experiences.
However, after playing a few hours of Final Fantasy 16, the inclusion of Geordie accents has been a pleasant surprise. The voice of Goetz, a character in the game, captures the essence of a South Tyneside accent, and it’s not just a fun novelty. The writing in Final Fantasy 16 has been crafted to incorporate the accents, enhancing the overall experience.
The author is not saying that Final Fantasy 16 is going to be a masterpiece, but this attention to detail in representing regional accents is rare in the gaming industry. It’s a trend and it’s exciting because it’s a sign that triple-A games are going to go beyond surface-level mimicry of Game of Thrones and actually create a living and diverse world.
The author acknowledges their initial self-centered perspective on Geordie representation in the game. They went in thinking it was “about me” but now recognize that it’s about more than personal satisfaction, but about showcasing a diverse range of voices.
“There are people out there who don’t speak standard English or have regional accents, and to have those voices reflected in a game is important,” they write. “I do not speak with a Geordie accent, and so I can’t fathom what it must be like to hear voices that are nothing like mine in a game.”
The author humorously references a common Geordie phrase, “let iz gan see if Otto needs owt,” highlighting the authenticity of the accents.
“Games often struggle with authenticity,” they continue. “It’s not just about hearing the voices, it’s about creating a living and diverse world.”
While certain complex elements of Game of Thrones may be missing in Final Fantasy 16, there is still hope for their inclusion. Geordie accents in the game are what keep the author engaged and excited to continue playing.
Check out the full article for more on Final Fantasy 16’s regional accents, including pictures and audio clips.
