Bringing Sid to Life: Character Development for Sumerian Six

The Character: Sid Redgrave

When I was cast as Sid in Sumerian Six, I knew I was taking on something special. Sid isn't your typical action hero—he's a charismatic, roguish ex-criminal with a complex moral compass, fighting against Nazi occultism in an alternate WWII timeline.

Understanding the Character

Before recording a single line, I spent weeks getting into Sid's head:

Character Background

• Criminal past - Former thief and con artist
• Reluctant hero - Fighting for the right reasons, but on his own terms
• Quick-witted - Uses humor to deflect from deeper emotions
• Loyal - Despite his roguish exterior, deeply cares for his team

Finding Sid's Voice

The directors at Artificer Games wanted someone who could blend:

• A slight British accent (not too posh, not too rough)
• Confident, almost cocky delivery
• Ability to shift from humor to genuine emotion quickly
• Natural chemistry with other characters

I drew inspiration from classic rogues in film and gaming, but made sure Sid had his own unique personality. He needed to feel authentic, not like an imitation.

The Recording Process

Preparation

For each session, I would:

1. Review the script and context for each scene
2. Note emotional beats and character relationships
3. Mark any combat barks or effort sounds
4. Warm up my voice thoroughly

In the Booth

Recording sessions were intensive but collaborative:

• Multiple takes - Trying different emotional approaches for key lines
• Combat vocals - Grunts, efforts, reactions require physical commitment
• Banter - Much of Sid's charm comes from his witty exchanges with teammates
• Dramatic moments - Balancing his humor with genuine vulnerability

Vocal Challenges

Consistency

Recording was done over several months. Maintaining consistency in:

• Accent and vocal placement
• Energy levels and character attitude
• Emotional continuity across non-linear recording

Combat Barks

Sid has hundreds of combat lines—each needed to:

• Sound natural and varied (no robotic repetition)
• Convey the appropriate level of effort or urgency
• Maintain character even under stress
• Fit the game's stealth-action gameplay

Working with the Team

The collaboration with Artificer Games was incredible:

• Creative freedom - Encouraged to try different approaches
• Clear direction - They knew exactly what they wanted emotionally
• Context provided - Understanding the game's story enhanced my performance
• Iterative process - Some lines were re-recorded based on game testing

The Final Result

Seeing players connect with Sid has been incredibly rewarding. Comments about his personality, humor, and character arc show that the collaborative effort paid off. Voice acting isn't just about reading lines—it's about creating a believable person that players want to spend time with.

Lessons Learned

For Aspiring Voice Actors

1. Do your homework - Understand the character deeply before recording
2. Stay flexible - Directors may have a different vision; be open to it
3. Physicality matters - Even in a booth, movement affects your voice
4. Take care of yourself - Long sessions require vocal stamina and health
5. Trust the process - You often won't see the full context until the game releases

Gratitude

Huge thanks to Artificer Games for trusting me with Sid, and to the entire team who brought Sumerian Six to life. Being part of this project has been one of the highlights of my career.

If you've played Sumerian Six, I'd love to hear what you think of Sid! Feel free to reach out on social media or through my contact page.