The team behind the highly anticipated open-world RPG pulls back the curtain on the talent bringing Kliff, Oongka, and Damiane to life in the world of Pywel.
As the launch window for Crimson Desert draws closer, Pearl Abyss is finally letting fans put faces to the voices that will guide them through the brutal, beautiful world of Pywel.
Following a series of explosive gameplay trailers that highlighted the game’s dynamic combat and stunning proprietary engine, the developer has pivoted to showcase the narrative soul of the project. Premiering at the recent IGN Fan Fest, Pearl Abyss released a brand-new behind-the-scenes video spotlighting the stellar voice cast bringing to life Crimson Desert’s central characters.
The Voices of Pywel
The casting for Crimson Desert leans heavily into industry veterans who have previously anchored some of the biggest RPGs of the last decade. The new video captures the passion and collaboration inside the recording booth, giving fans a closer look at the real-life performances shaping the game’s immersive storytelling.
The highlighted cast includes:
- Alec Newman as Kliff: Fans will immediately recognize Newman from his extensive work in Cyberpunk 2077, Final Fantasy XIV, and Elden Ring. In Crimson Desert, he takes on the lead role of Kliff, the battle-hardened mercenary. In the video, Newman reflects on the character’s core traits, specifically his stoic loyalty and strong moral compass, which anchor him in a world constantly torn apart by shifting allegiances.
- Steward Scuadmore as Oongka: Scuadmore, known for his standout performances in Baldur’s Gate 3, Final Fantasy XVI, and the hit animated series Arcane, voices Oongka. He discusses the challenge of playing a character whose massive, imposing physical presence masks a surprising intellect. Scuadmore shares how he balances Oongka’s brute strength with unexpected emotional depth, making him much more than just a typical muscle-bound companion.
- Rebecca Hanssen as Damiane: Also stepping over from Baldur’s Gate 3 (as well as Arknights: Endfield and Wuthering Waves), Hanssen takes on the role of Damiane. She describes her character as wonderfully down-to-earth, yet fiercely headstrong. Damiane promises to be a grounding force for the mercenary crew, offering sharp wit and unyielding determination when the odds are stacked against them.
A Focus on Immersive Storytelling
While Crimson Desert initially grabbed the industry’s attention with its wrestling-inspired combat grabs, seamless open-world traversal, and breathtaking physics, this latest deep dive proves Pearl Abyss is taking its narrative just as seriously.
The behind-the-scenes video highlights how the actors’ physical performances and vocal nuances are directly translated to the in-game cinematics, ensuring that the quiet moments around the campfire carry just as much weight as the massive castle sieges.
You can meet more of the expansive cast and see additional behind-the-scenes glimpses on the official Crimson Desert Instagram page here.
Watch the Full Behind-the-Scenes Video: YouTube Link
With an all-star cast officially confirmed, the journey across the continent of Pywel is shaping up to be one of the most cinematic adventures of the year.