Diablo 3 Voice Actor Interview - David Sobolov

On the morning after the night Diablo 3 had its official launch we chatted briefly to David Sobolov voice actor for Azmodan.

1) So, did you imagine the Lord of Sin to have any particular characteristics that you brought to the part?

They wanted Azmodan to be very intense but laid back at the same time... no screaming - just a very evil low rumble that they amplified and processed for maximum creepiness.
It was an interesting part to do creatively, but not too hard on my voice.

2) In Diablo3 Azmodan takes a more central role- in what way?

I would ask the writers that... or play the game. When we record our parts are so isolated from the whole that we aren't always made aware of the big picture in the story going on around us.

3) How was it to work on Diablo3?

Blizzard is the "Warner Brothers" of gaming... they want everything to be perfect. I had one session at the Blizzard studios in Irvine where we recorded the subtle sound of Azmodan's movements - all while I watched him move on a screen. Other sessions were done in Los Angeles... I was brought in once in a while as the game was developed over the course of five years.

4) Was it hard to keep it all secret?

Not really... that's a big part of the gaming industry now. Everyone wants everything kept secret until they're ready to announce it and that's fine with me. I'm working on eight other games right now and can't talk about any of them in production except Guild Wars II!

5) Besides the part you play tell us another secret about Diablo3 that people might now know.

Azmodan has no lips! And when you walk into Blizzard's studios you have to sign a non-disclosure agreement just to enter the building. Lots of secrets in there!!

6) Can you describe a typical day working on Diablo3?

We were very specific about each line - crafting it so the delivery had just the right amount of menace.
We would sometimes take two hours to perfect just a few lines of dialogue.
Azmodan is the first villain I've ever played who had a female companion... and the first one with nipple rings!

And on that bombshell...

Thanks for your time David.