Language options in Videogames should be on par with blue ray

It used to be the case that when an obscure Japanese game was released abroad it would come with english sub-titles. Now it seems that left of field japanese games from the likes of Suda51 come with english voice acting. In film there is no excuse for not wanting to read sub-titles but this is partly because of lip syncing issues games don't share but really it should be the case for games as well. Sure, an english voice over can be well done, i think the best example of this is the films of Hayo Miazaki. Its good for children who cant keep up with sub-title. Miazaki's work is so highly regarded it attracts the best voice talent.

Video game dubs are done much more cheaply and with lesser talent behind the microphone. As a result you get a very cheesy and US-centric dub. I don't have anything against US voice actors but when done cheaply, as a UK resident, they are a constant reminder that the game is not in its native language. Metal Gear Solid has high quality US English voice acting but is different because it is a much more international game. Its makers are drawing on western culture in a direct way and as such the games already fit well with  english voice acting.

However, I don't think quality is really the Issue, the most important thing about voice acting is the atmosphere. Even if a japanese original voice over is not that well done it still brings the intended atmosphere of the original game, with an american voice over this is severely lost. As in Miazaki's films this can me remedied but it takes a lot of effort and care. As a rule its best to have the option of the original voice work because then at least it will work as intended.

Games stand on an interesting line, like film, games can be subtitled but also they can be seamlessly translated like literature. My hope is that games can eventually follow in the foot steps of Blue Ray and have language options come as standard on foreign language games. The localisation of Japanese games is often to their detriment. A Japanese game translated into english looses so much of itself. It makes the player categorise it with western games with similarly cheap voice acting. Games like Bayonetta derive from a distinctly Japanese type of pop culture. Without its original language it becomes diluted and loses its exotic, niche appeal. If Japanese games are going to sell abroad it should be as Japanese games, as they were made and intended to be played.