Creating Date Everything: Transforming a “Ridiculous Concept” into a Heartfelt Gem Through Voice Acting

Date Everything is an innovative dating simulator developed by the talented team at Sassy Chap Games. This unique game allows players to engage in romantic scenarios with everyday household items, presenting an unusual yet captivating concept. The studio comprises renowned voice actors Robbie Daymond (known for his work on Critical Role and Spider-Man), Ray Chase (from Final Fantasy and Destiny 2), and Amanda Hufford (of Genshin Impact and Goddess of Victory: Nikke) who brought this creative vision to life.

In anticipation of the game’s release, we had the opportunity to converse with Robbie, Ray, and Amanda. They shared insights into how Date Everything transcends a mere whimsical idea and outlined the exciting developments planned for the game’s future following its positive reception.

The Vision Behind a “Ridiculous Concept Executed at a High Level”

What inspired the unique premise of Date Everything?

Robbie Daymond: “From the very beginning, Ray, Max, and I had a strong desire to create a game. Ray was particularly drawn to game development, having attended GDC before our paths crossed. We aimed to craft something distinctive that blended our storytelling abilities with our voiceover expertise. The idea grew out of spontaneous brainstorming sessions in our writers’ room.”

Ray Chase: “It all started during a recording session. While goofing around, Robbie randomly suggested a dating simulator where one could date anything. We found it amusing at first, but then I realized I was genuinely interested in making that game. And thus, Sassy Chap was born.”

Characters from Date Everything — Image Source: dexerto / Sassy Chap Games

Did you draw inspiration from other unusual dating simulators?

Ray Chase: “Absolutely! My experience voicing a giant chariot in Persona has influenced our game’s chaotic energy. We wanted Date Everything to intrigue players while ensuring it remains playful and approachable; therefore, we balanced cheeky humor without veering into unpleasant territory.”

Robbie Daymond: “The character of Jean-Loo Pissoir, portrayed as a toilet that can be dated, embodies our approach. While it may sound like a simple gag, he has a rich backstory and compelling persona beyond just being a joke.”

Robbie Daymond: “The ambition was to craft a ludicrous premise with depth. We wanted to surprise players by balancing humor with genuine emotional engagement.”

With such a talented cast, did you have actors in mind during character creation?

Amanda Hufford: “Indeed, we envisioned several roles with specific actors from the outset.”

Robbie Daymond: “We had a good idea of about 50% of our casting while developing the character list, which evolved over time. We infused a lot of our theatrical knowledge into it, ensuring the cast embodied the spirit we envisioned. A notable choice was Dante Bosco as the voice of the fireplace, not only because of his talent but also due to the clever humor tied to his name.”

Dante from Date Everything — Image Source: dexerto / Sassy Chap Games

The game features player choices, including betrayal. Can you elaborate on that?

Ray Chase: “In the game’s opening, you encounter a character who hints at a darker presence in the house. Players may overlook this detail initially, but the reveal adds exciting layers to the gameplay.”

Robbie Daymond: “A particularly interesting choice involves a pivotal decision that could lead to betrayal with significant consequences. Should players act unkindly, it may result in an adversarial relationship with characters they may have grown fond of.”

Balancing Humor and Heartfelt Moments

How crucial was it to combine humor and emotional depth in Date Everything?

Ray Chase: “It’s of utmost importance. With a diverse array of 100 potential dateable characters, we were keen to explore emotional depth across various experiences, ensuring our narrative resonated with players. We purposefully incorporated moments of levity so audiences are not overwhelmed with emotion, effectively creating a varied storytelling palette.”

Ray Chase: “We aimed for unexpected depth in our characters, focusing on subtleties that will surprise players as they navigate the game.”

Future Plans and Developments for Date Everything

Will there be any downloadable content or expansions after the game’s launch?

Ray Chase: “For now, we’re keeping any plans for DLC under wraps as discussions continue with our publisher. While the initial development phase was long, there are still some quality-of-life updates that I would like to implement, which may come as a free patch in the near future. Features like a chat history function certainly rank high on our to-do list.”

Airyn from Date Everything — Image Source: Sassy Chap Games

Can you share any hints about secret dateable characters within the game?

Ray Chase: “One of the more elusive characters is Airyn the Air, whose dating mechanics challenge conventional ideas. Keep your ears open, and stay observant while playing to uncover hints.”You can also refer to our detailed guide for unlocking Airyn.

What’s the next step for Sassy Chap Games?

Ray Chase: “At this moment, our focus is entirely on observing how Date Everything performs. We’re both excited and daunted by the outcome.”

Robbie Daymond: “We’re actively developing future ideas and projects. Although creating Date Everything was a monumental task, the experience offers opportunities to craft more engaging games. Our aim has always been to produce enjoyable experiences driven by passion, allowing for collaboration with talented professionals. We believe that with love and dedication, you can create remarkable games without significant corporate backing. We eagerly anticipate what comes next as we continue our journey.”

Source & Images