Russian voice actor Vsevolod Kuznetsov, known for voicing Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves and Geralt from The Witcher 3, appeared on the TosiBosi podcast. During the discussion, Kuznetsov shared insights about the nuances involved in recording for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the challenges of timing and delivery that accompanied the localization process.
In recalling the Russian localization, Kuznetsov highlighted a persistent issue: several lines did not align neatly with the on screen timing, forcing the team to adjust speed mid phrase. He clarified that the problem lay not with the translators but with the original project management from CD Projekt Red, who did not specify the exact speaking pace for the lines.
According to Kuznetsov, Polish developers set the stage for a range of timing rules at release. Some scenes required strict timing to match every pause, while others allowed a looser approach. There is a strict timing regime, a non strict timing regime, and a flexible timing approach. In percentage terms, it could be 10 percent here or 15 percent there, depending on the scene.
There is also a free timing option for those moments when a performance is not tightly bound to the original pace. In such cases, the Russian replicas could follow the rhythm closest to the English version. The team described free timing as a way to preserve the natural flow of speech, yet when the game shipped, some lines still used this flexible timing, which proved difficult to harmonize. In the end, some lines were sped up or stretched, resulting in a less than ideal viewing experience.
— Vsevolod Kuznetsov
The hosts also touched on Kuznetsovs work on Cyberpunk 2077, noting that players perceived more explicit language than in the original. Kuznetsov pointed out that The Witcher line delivery sometimes required on the spot improvisation to maintain authenticity and character voice.
During the interview Kuznetsov recalled a moment in The Witcher development where subtext mattered as much as the spoken line. A famous quote he mentions captures the idea that the subtext could carry meaning beyond the explicit words. He notes that some lines were included without their usual forms, leaving room for listener inference and nuance.
— Vsevolod Kuznetsov
Earlier in coverage, attention shifted to Mikhail Belyakovich, the actor who provided the Kratos voice in God of War. The conversation touched on work on the sequel and answered humorous questions, such as strategies for confronting fictional adversaries. A separate reference highlighted popular culture moments like the 11 Clones of Genshin Impact.
Notes from the conversation emphasize how voice acting across major game franchises involves a balance between faithful translation, natural performance, and the constraints of timing. The discussions reveal that voice actors often navigate a complex mix of strict guidelines and creative latitude to bring iconic characters to life in multiple languages.
In sum, the interviews underscore the evolving craft of game localization, where timing, subtext, and improvisation converge to shape memorable performances across audiences in the Russian market and beyond.