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 of utilizing silent protagonists in today's technologically advanced gaming landscape. Their conversation, excerpted from the "Metaphor: ReFantazio Atlas Brand 35th Anniversary Edition" booklet, explores the evolution of storytelling in RPGs.
Horii, creator of the iconic Dragon Quest series, explained the series' reliance on the "symbolic protagonist"—a silent character allowing players to project themselves into the game. This approach worked well in the era of simpler graphics, where limited animations didn't highlight the protagonist's lack of expression. "As game graphics become more realistic," Horii quipped, "a protagonist who just stands there looks like an idiot."
Horii, initially aspiring to be a manga artist, emphasized Dragon Quest's narrative structure, built primarily on dialogue and interactions, rather than extensive narration. The silent protagonist's effectiveness, however, is now challenged by increasingly realistic visuals and audio. The minimalist graphics of the NES era allowed players to fill the expressive gaps, but this is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve with modern technology. "The type of protagonist featured in Dragon Quest becomes increasingly difficult to depict as games become more realistic," Horii concluded.
In contrast to Dragon Quest's continued use of a silent protagonist (aside from occasional sounds), many modern RPGs, such as the Persona series, feature fully voiced protagonists. Hashino's upcoming Metaphor: ReFantazio will also utilize a fully voiced protagonist.
Despite the challenges, Hashino praised Horii's approach, noting Dragon Quest's focus on the player's emotional experience: "I think Dragon Quest puts a lot of thought into how the player will feel in a given situation...the games are consistently created with the player in mind, thinking about what emotions will arise when someone says something." This highlights the enduring impact of Dragon Quest's design philosophy, even as the technological landscape continues to evolve.
