Aaron Paul's Dispatch Journey: From 'Bloody Hell, Is This Ever Ending?' to 'Oui, Sign Me Up for Season 2!'
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Aaron Paul, star of the game *Dispatch*, initially found the two-year voice acting commitment grueling, with creators fearing he wouldn't return for more. However, unexpected fan recognition for his *Dispatch* role in France, coupled with the game's massive success, has now made him eager for a potential Season 2.
Right, so imagine pouring your heart and soul into a project for *two years* – a proper grind, mate – only for the folks you're working with to reckon you'd never agree to do it again if you'd known the full scope. That's the wild, slightly chaotic tale emerging from the creators of *Dispatch*, the rather brilliant narrative-driven game that's been making waves.
We're talking about none other than Aaron Paul, the bloke who famously graced our screens in *Breaking Bad*. Now, he's the central voice of Robert in *Dispatch*, a role that, it turns out, was far more extensive than even he might've bargained for. Picture the scene: you’re a big-name actor, probably used to a more consolidated schedule, and suddenly you’re in a vocal booth, off and on, for a whopping two years.
Narrative director Pierre Shorette didn't mince words, calling the process "gruelling." He, along with game director Nick Herman, openly admitted they were genuinely worried Paul would swan off after the first stint and never look back. "It's like water torture, a drip here and there," Shorette explained. "We'll call him after eight weeks of not speaking, like, 'Hey, we need you for four hours.' It's like, 'Fuck, I thought I was done with this.'" You can almost hear the exasperated sigh, can't you? Herman added, with a chuckle, that if Paul had known the full commitment, he "wouldn't have done it." Fair dinkum, who can blame him?
So, how did they snag him in the first place if it was such an epic undertaking? Turns out, a cracking casting director with a good relationship with Paul, combined with a script that genuinely resonated, sealed the deal. Shorette pointed out that Paul’s work on the dark animated comedy *Bojack Horseman* probably helped, as *Dispatch* shares some tonal similarities. He "responded to that aspect of the game," Shorette noted, adding a very relieved, "Thank god too, because I don't know what this is without him at this point."
But here's where the story gets really interesting, like a spell finally hitting its mark after a lengthy incantation. Paul, according to Shorette, has upped sticks and moved to France. And it was there, on the streets of Paris, that the *Dispatch* phenomenon truly clicked for him. Imagine being Aaron Paul; for years, people have approached you with a fervent "Yo, Bitch!" or some other *Breaking Bad* reference. It's legendary, sure, but a bit of a one-trick pony in terms of fan interaction.
Suddenly, he's getting stopped by people who are saying, "Hey, love you in *Dispatch*." Not a digital likeness, mind you, just his distinctive, powerful voice. "He was shocked that it reached France and that it kind of popped off," Shorette recounted. Herman chimed in, highlighting the sheer novelty for Paul: "People only walk up to him for *Breaking Bad*. For someone to come up and say, 'Hey, this video game that is coming out right now: I love you in it' - it just doesn't happen for him." That's the magic, isn't it? The genuine, unprompted recognition for something new and different.
This unexpected fan reception, combined with *Dispatch* quickly racing to 2 million sales – thanks in part to a partnership with the role-play behemoths Critical Role, who helped the studio AdHoc get the game signed and released after years of struggle – has completely shifted the landscape. What was once a grueling commitment is now a source of pride and, crucially, a solid foundation for the future.
So, what does this digital tea leaf reading tell us? Well, for starters, a *Dispatch* Season 2 just got a whole lot more plausible. Herman put it simply: "I think probably, if we're being real, it kind of needed to do what it did for him to be interested in doing it again." It's the ultimate validation for Paul, a testament to the fact that his commitment, however drawn out, paid off in a big way with a new audience. It's a proper underdog story for AdHoc, too, proving that perseverance, a compelling script, and a well-placed A-lister (even if he initially wanted to bail) can create something truly special.
It’s a reminder that even the biggest stars are just after that genuine connection, that feeling their work truly resonates. And sometimes, it takes a few years, a bit of water torture, and a chance encounter in Paris to make it all click. Now, about that *Critical Role* D&D game AdHoc is also making... that’s another story for another day, but it seems like this studio's chaotic journey is turning into quite the adventure indeed.
Tags: Gaming Industry, Voice Acting, Game Development, Narrative Games, Indie Success
Original article: Eurogamer