Sunderfolkstrives to recreate as much of the tabletop role-playing game experience as possible in a video game format, and that includes having a Game Master to narrate the story. The GM introduces players to each mission, provides a variety of voices for the NPCs residing in the town of Arden, and narrates during combat encounters with the many types of foes inhabiting the Sunderlands.Sunderfolk’s Game Master role is played by actor and TTRPG veteran Anjali Bhimani, who has previously served as a Game Master in a number of tabletop events such as Puppy Roll (produced by Bhimani herself via Bad Auntie).
In a conversation with Game Rant,Sunderfolkgame director Erin Marek praised Bhimani’s performance, describing her as bringing “so much enthusiasm and energy” to the role. Marek was particularly impressed with the sheer number of different voices Bhimani, who is known for roles such as Symmetra inOverwatchandYatzli inAvowed, created for each of the game’s NPCs.
A Game Master Must Play A Variety Of Roles
When casting the Game Master, Marek explained, theSunderfolkteam needed someone who could wear many hats and quickly switch between roles. Just as in a game ofDungeons and Dragonsor another TTRPG, a Game Master is someone who directs the story, voices NPCs, helps players understand the intricacies of combat, and more. Marek described what the team was looking for in greater detail:
“When looking for a game master to voice the game, we wanted someone who was already in the TTRPG space and really understood the nuance of what it’s like to be a game master. Sometimes you’re telling a grand story, other times you’re trying to direct and lead the players, and yet in certain moments, you’re teaching and partnering with them to see the players succeed.”
TheSunderfolkdevelopers knew that Anjali Bhimani was perfect for the role as soon as they heard her voicing the game’s many and varied NPCs. “When hearing her first takes on the Button Shroom and the Grove Tender, it was just obvious that we needed her on this project,” Marek said.Sunderfolkhas a sizeablecast of adorable anthropomorphic animals, and Bhimani’s warm, emotional performance brings life to each and every one.
Anjali Bhimani Brought Her Years Of Tabletop Experience To The Role
Anjali Bhimani is a lifelong fan of tabletop role-playing games. In addition to her many film, TV, and video game roles, she has appeared several times onCritical Roleas both player and game master. Recently, she published her ownDungeons and Dragonsadventure,The Malady of Minarrh,and appeared in the liveDungeons and Dragonstheater experience,The Twenty-Sided Tavern.She brings that wealth of experience to her role asSunderfolk’sGame Master, where she will serve as the players' guide as they discover the world of the Sunderlands and the underground town of Arden that serves as the game’s central setting.
Sunderfolkaims to effectively bring the feeling of having a tabletop role-playing game night with friends into a video game format, and including a Game Master is a key element in making this formula a success. What is a game ofDungeons and Dragonswithout a Dungeon Master to carefully guide the experience, providing a mix of humor and instruction while bringing players deeper into the game’s world? Similarly,Sunderfolkwould not be nearly as effective without the consistent presence of the Game Master’s voice throughout the adventure, and Anjali Bhimani, as Marek and the other developers explained, is the perfect fit for the role.
