When you hear the name Aaron Paul, you probably think of his unforgettable role in Breaking Bad or his voice work in the critically acclaimed animated series BoJack Horseman. He’s an actor who fully commits to his roles, bringing a raw, human element to every character. So, when news broke that he was headlining a new video game, it definitely caught my attention.
His first venture into the world of interactive entertainment is a narrative-driven game called Dispatch, and in a recent chat, Paul opened up about the experience. He was refreshingly honest, admitting the process was unlike anything he’d ever done before and, at times, genuinely confusing.
So, What Exactly is ‘Dispatch’?
Before diving into Paul’s experience, let’s set the stage. Dispatch isn’t your typical superhero game. Developed by AdHoc Studio, which includes former Telltale Games talent, it’s a story-focused adventure. The game puts you in the shoes of a superhero dispatcher, guiding a team through various crises.
But here’s the twist: you’re not just any dispatcher. You play as Mecha Man (real name Robert Robertson), a legacy hero voiced by Paul himself. After his suit is damaged in battle, he’s temporarily sidelined from front-line action and stuck managing a team of former villains trying to do some good. The cast is stacked, featuring incredible talent like Jeffrey Wright, Laura Bailey, and Matthew Mercer, so you know the performances will be top-notch.
A Whole New World of Acting
For an actor accustomed to film, TV, and even traditional animation, voice acting for a branching narrative game was a completely new challenge. Paul noted the biggest difference was the sheer scale and time commitment. While a season of an animated show like BoJack Horseman might be recorded over a few months, he revealed that Dispatch took two years to complete.
Why so long? It all comes down to player choice. In a choose-your-own-adventure game, the story can go in countless directions. This meant Paul had to record dialogue for every possible scenario, many of which players might never even hear in a single playthrough. He found it strange to work on something for so long, recording so much dialogue that might never be discovered. It was this non-linear structure that he described as a “very confusing process” compared to the more straightforward scripts of television and film.
What Drew Him to the Game?
Despite the confusing process, Paul was deeply drawn to Dispatch. For him, the quality of the story is everything. He explained that he gets sent a lot of scripts but only signs on to projects that truly affect him. When the script for Dispatch landed on his desk, he couldn’t put it down.
He praised its writing, noting how it balanced humor with genuinely moving dramatic moments, much like BoJack Horseman or the comic series Invincible. It was the thoughtful story and emotional core that resonated with him. After reading the scripts and meeting with the creators, he said joining the project was a “no-brainer.”
From Player to Character
It turns out Paul has a personal history with gaming. He admitted he used to be a heavy gamer, the kind who “couldn’t put the controller down.” He reminisced about crushing Mario Kart and getting scared out of his mind playing the original Resident Evil late at night. He even shared a laugh about the infamous moment when the dogs crash through the window-a memory many of us can relate to.
This background gives him a genuine respect for the medium. He understands the passion of the gaming community and how games can bring people together. He’s been waiting to find a game that truly connected with him, and he says Dispatch is “certainly that one.”
Conclusion
It’s always exciting when an actor of Aaron Paul’s caliber steps into the gaming space, and his journey with Dispatch sounds fascinating. His honesty about the unique challenges of video game voice acting gives us a great look behind the curtain. More importantly, his passion for great storytelling is what makes this project so promising. He didn’t just take a job; he found a story he believed in. And that’s the best reason to be excited for Dispatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the game Dispatch about?
Dispatch is a narrative-driven superhero game where you play as Mecha Man, a hero forced to work as a dispatcher while his suit is repaired. You manage a team of former villains turned heroes and make choices that shape the story.
Who does Aaron Paul play in Dispatch?
Aaron Paul voices the main character, Robert Robertson, a generational superhero who goes by the name Mecha Man. His character is frustrated with his desk job and is eager to get back into the action.
Why did Aaron Paul find video game acting ‘confusing’?
He found it confusing because of the non-linear, branching nature of the story. Unlike a movie, a video game with player choice requires recording thousands of lines for paths that a player might not choose, a process that took two years to complete.
What other famous actors are in Dispatch?
The game features a talented cast alongside Aaron Paul, including Jeffrey Wright (Westworld, The Batman), Laura Bailey (The Last of Us Part II), and Matthew Mercer (Critical Role).
What did Aaron Paul say about his own gaming habits?
He mentioned that he used to be an avid gamer who loved titles like Mario Kart, Goldeneye, and the first Resident Evil. He said he had to step back because he found it hard to put the controller down.
Is Dispatch an action game?
While set in a superhero world, Dispatch is primarily a narrative adventure game focused on story and player choice, developed by former staff from Telltale Games, who were famous for similar titles.