With the recent release of FromSoftware's Elden Ring, players create their own character to explore a new fantastical world on the epic quest for the titular ring. However (as with many RPGs), this protagonist does not speak. Even with the silence, though potentially isolating in the game's world, games such as Elden Ring can still carry themselves by placing the emphasis on different focal points outside the character's vocal interactions.
This silence can provide a certain appeal, including a focus on the discovery of enchanting worlds, fresh inventive gameplay, connections with strong supporting characters and creatures, and a sense of immersion where gamers can ultimately feel like the protagonist.
The Legend Of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda series has sent Link on many memorable journeys through the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule to save the world (and Princess Zelda) from the hands of the evil Ganondorf. Link remains a beloved character even without speaking because of the games' sense of exploration and discovery while progressing through the main objective.
In Breath of the Wild, the game provides an option to read Zelda's diary entry that explains the silence of the character. Upon reading the entry, players learn that Link "feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden... [which] caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings." This entry gives an insight into Link's psyche, making him an emotionally deeper character that players can only hope to explore further in the sequel.
Doom
Properly named by fans as Doomguy (later referred to as Doom Slayer in the reboot series), the unnamed space marine literally goes to Hell and back to save the world from an apocalyptic invasion. With the more recent games, the developers focused on the gameplay mechanics of running and gunning with distinctive weapons (with a new addition of "Glory Kills"), creating a fast-paced first-person shooter with few moments to catch your breath, let alone time for Doomguy to speak.
While the focus on gameplay and spectacle has perhaps overshadowed the story and protagonist, players are given the option to invest in its rich lore (through reading optional collectible codex entries scattered over the maps) or just have a good time slaying demons.
Grand Theft Auto III
Players are given an open sandbox world to their disposal for destruction as the silent Claude on his revenge tour after being left for death. In an official Q&A, developer Rockstar Games decided that Claude "would not talk, partly to aid people identifying with him, but mostly because [they] had so many other problems to solve."
The open-world sandbox-type game was still a newer idea in 2001, so the focus on creating the game world and gameplay became their priority. Although cutscenes may feel a bit awkward with Claude communicating with mob bosses using only receptive nods, the only words for him are actions of chaos and mayhem. Gamers can relive the game with the latest release of the remastered definitive edition of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy.
Half Life
It is up to theoretical physicist Dr. Gordon Freeman to save the day after unleashing aliens into the Black Mesa facilities and again in the sequel when a multidimensional empire conquers the Earth. The game avoids the silent awkwardness of cutscenes by having most exposition, mission briefs, and dialogue occur while players are in control of Freeman in first person.
While trying to capture full immersion, the presence of Freeman's character is still felt through how other characters speak and interact with him, offering a glimpse into who the character is. The story and world Freeman experiences is compelling and thrilling enough to keep players moving forward, rallying the rebellion for humanity, without uttering a single word.
Portal
In order to escape the labyrinth that is Aperture laboratories, players solve puzzles using portals as Chell in both entries of this series. Recognized for its unique puzzles, Portal is also known for its witty humor that is sprinkled throughout, using dialogue that is never given to its protagonist.
With a light narrative, the silence allows for players to think through puzzles to solve their way out and maybe piece together some secrets that can be found. As players jump through portals, uncovering the depths of the test chambers, and perhaps searching for cake, Chell's silence only furthers the sense of isolation and secretiveness within the abandoned laboratory.
Bioshock
After discovering a lighthouse that leads him to the extravagant underwater city of Rapture, Jack is only guided via radio by Atlas's friendly voice to shoot and shock his way through the ruined districts in an attempt to escape back to the surface. As players are immersed in this first-person shooter, the silence from the protagonist effectively enhances the isolation under the sea as players explore the remnants of the Rapture.
The game's atmosphere is able to draw players in to discover what happened to everyone and everything in the once lively utopia. In a climactic twist, the game comments on the silence of the character as they took on orders without question, which also describes the players as they do everything a game tells them to do.
Crash Bandicoot
In a time where video game companies were finding their character mascots, Sony landed on the mischievous marsupial in Crash Bandicoot. To spoil Doctor Neo Cortex's plans for world domination, Crash Bandicoot became an early platforming protagonist that allowed a full range motion, as opposed to a traditional side-scrolling adventure. Co-creator Andy Gavin stated in his blogpost that they felt Crash "should be goofy and fun-loving, and never talk - on the theory that voices for video game characters were always lame, negative, and distracted from identification with them." Crash has kept this identity in the mascot-driven games, keeping players engaged decades later with the remaster of the original games releasing in 2019 and its latest entry in 2020.
Dishonored
As Corvo Attano, players must clear his name after being framed for the murder of the empress with gameplay emphasizing stealth through a unique weapon set and supernatural powers (and even a possibility of completing the game without killing anyone). Being a first-person game, the silence lends a hand in the game's immersion allowing players to seek justice in silence, plotting their next move while lurking in the shadows.
Despite contrasting narrative styles in the sequel that features fully voiced protagonists in Corvo and Emily, the gameplay in both remained intact to emphasize player's choice in stealth. Ultimately, it is up to the players to decide the approach to immersion they prefer.
Pokémon
After generations of Pokémon, the games themselves have never been defined by its protagonist and their lack of dialogue, but instead by the sense of wonder and discovery through the exploration of locations, side characters, and of course its lovable creatures. With easy RPG gameplay mechanics and a simple concept, the games allow players to create their own path for adventure. The silent protagonist allows the players to fully immerse themselves into the world, creating deeper bonds with the Pokémon and people that accompany the journey. With this year's release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus providing a new open world and gameplay, it proves that Pokémon is here to stay with its formula of success in its protagonist: the player.
South Park: The Stick Of Truth
With this hysterical South Park RPG experience, players enter the game as "The New Kid" who joins Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny on an epic quest for the titular Sick of Truth, all while never speaking. Using its own brand of humor, the game mocks many RPG elements in games, including the silent protagonist trope brought up by characters explaining how awkward and uncomfortable a non-speaking lead is in their fantasy narrative and as well as in real life. One of the few traits occasionally noted by others is how the New Kid makes Facebook friends quickly (nearing to be roughly 3.2 billion), observing a modern unsocial attitude in person but a very active lifestyle online.