Dev Log #1 - Voice Acting

Afterlife: In the Shadows now features AI-generated voice acting to bring the characters to life and add depth and immersion to the visual novel and game experience. Dialogue feels more engaging, making the story even more dynamic.

I’m still in the process of selecting a voice generator that delivers natural-sounding performances without them feeling static or robotic. I’ve already explored several options that convey more emotion and nuance and, as AI-generated voice technology continues to evolve, I am narrowing the tools down for the best to fit the game.

My goal is to use voice acting to deepen player immersion and make character interactions feel more engaging. As a solo developer, hiring professional voice actors for a project of this scale and nature isn’t financially feasible, but AI voices provide a way to bring dialogue to life without sacrificing flexibility. This allows me to enhance the storytelling experience while maintaining creative control over future updates and refinements, ensuring the game continues to evolve even with limited resources.

There are two main voiced characters – a brother and sister – along with several minor characters who will have spoken lines. Each voice is carefully chosen to match that character’s personality and tone, ensuring they feel natural within the visual novel’s world.

Disclaimer: I’ve included an option to toggle them ON or OFF for those who prefer a classic text-based experience or are averse to AI-generated content.