Silent Protagonists in Modern RPGs: Insights from Dragon Quest and Metaphor Creators

The Evolving Role of the Silent Protagonist in Modern RPGs: A Conversation Between Dragon Quest and Metaphor: ReFantazio Creators

Veteran RPG developers Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest) and Katsura Hashino (Metaphor: ReFantazio) recently discussed the challenges and rewards of utilizing silent protagonists in modern gaming, a conversation featured in the "Metaphor: ReFantazio Atlas Brand 35th Anniversary Edition" booklet. Their discussion highlights the impact of increasingly realistic graphics on established design choices.

Horii, known for Dragon Quest's iconic silent protagonist, described him as "symbolic." This approach allows players to project their own feelings onto the character, fostering deeper immersion. In earlier, less graphically detailed games, this worked seamlessly. However, Horii humorously noted, "As game graphics evolve and grow increasingly realistic, if you make a protagonist who just stands there, they will look like an idiot."

Horii, originally aspiring to be a manga artist, explained that Dragon Quest's narrative structure, built around dialogue with NPCs and minimal narration, is integral to its design. The silent protagonist, a blank slate against which the story unfolds, was a natural fit for the NES era's limited graphical capabilities. But with advancements in technology, maintaining this approach presents significant hurdles. "That’s why, the type of protagonist featured in Dragon Quest becomes increasingly difficult to depict as games become more realistic. This will be a challenge in the future too," he concluded.

In contrast to Dragon Quest's enduring use of a silent protagonist (aside from occasional sound effects), many modern RPGs, such as the Persona series, feature fully voiced protagonists. Hashino's upcoming Metaphor: ReFantazio will also feature a fully voiced protagonist.

Despite the challenges, Hashino praised Horii's approach, emphasizing the emotional intelligence of Dragon Quest's design. "I think Dragon Quest puts a lot of thought into how the player will feel in a given situation," Hashino stated, "even when it's to do with a regular townsperson. I feel like the games are consistently created with the player in mind, thinking about what emotions will arise when someone says something." This highlights the enduring power of the silent protagonist in carefully crafted narratives, even as technology continues to evolve.