Dialog in Deadlock
Deadlock's characters are beginning to really take form. We know who they are, we know what the look like, and now we need to bring them to life. A critical part of that is the dialog. We're currently looking for voice actors/actresses, and and the dialog itself.
Voice Acting for Deadlock
You can't have dialog without speakers. We need a cast of performers! As this is a passion project, there's no money involved - just good people and cool ideas.
Auditions
If you'd like to audition, we want to hear you! Here is what you will need:
- Computer Microphone: For now, almost any microphone will do. Most new laptops come with a microphone built in. If you are selected, you will need access to an above average microphone.
- Recording Program: If you're new to audio recording, we recommend Audacity. If you're more comfortable with navigating new programs, we recommend Reaper. If there is a different program you'd prefer to use, go for it.
Once you've gotten comfortable with the gear, practice performing your lines. Experiment with different deliveries and feel out which ones work best. Once you're comfortable, record your performance. Follow these guidelines:
- We need three readings for each of the "official" lines provided for the character you are auditioning for. You can do this in as many or few sittings as you would like.
- The files need to be in one of the following formats: .wav, .mp3, .ogg, .flac, .wv
- Compress all audio files into a .zip or .rar file.
- The maximum filesize is 8mb. If yours is larger, try reducing the quality of your recordings.
Selection
These are rolling auditions. We have no money to run out of, and no deadlines to meet. We'll pursue performers we'd like to hear more from, and make a final selection once we've got confidence in the decision.
Writing for Deadlock
Everyone has that one great line they wish a game character would say. Here's your chance to make it happen. Beneath the audition form on each of the character pages is a form where you can submit lines you think would be great for the characters. The designers will review the lines and highlight ones they like green and ones they dislike red. If your line makes it into the game, we'll credit you with authoring/submitting it.
How Dialog Works
Dialog in Deadlock will be instantiated in response to events and conditions within the game, similarly to the dialog in L4D. For example, if the characters drop a wave of zombies without taking any damage, the game will take a look at which characters are present, select an appropriate recording, and play it.
At present, we think it best for dialog to be atmospheric only. Players on one team will not hear enemy characters talking, so no one need worry about character chatter giving away their position.
Goals
PvP first person shooters allow little opportunity to develop characters and relationships. Our best tool is the dialog. As you write, consider the kinds of personalities and relationships we can create. Shoot for dialog that is authentic, fun and interesting.
Submission Tips
- Read the lines that have already been submitted. Submitting duplicates wastes our time.
- If your line is a quote from an historic figure, cite the original source.
- If your line has significant cultural meaning, like being a proverb, please briefly explain or (better) link to an explanation.
- If your line is in another language, please provide an english translation.
- Remember that we cannot use copyrighted or trademarked material, nor can (nor will) we defame real people.
