Exploring the Character of Lord Saito in Ghost of Yōtei with Actor Feodor Chin: ‘He and Atsu Are Two Sides of the Same Coin’

Ghost of Yōtei: A Major PlayStation Exclusive for 2025

As the most anticipated PlayStation exclusive of 2025, Ghost of Yōtei is poised to capture gamers’ attention. While Death Stranding 2 also holds its appeal, Hideo Kojima’s sequel tends to attract a more niche audience, unlike the broad popularity achieved by its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima. The latter not only impressed fans but also shattered PS4 first-party sales records upon its 2020 release.

Promising Sales and Gameplay

Though the game has just launched, early sales estimates suggest that Ghost of Yōtei is performing impressively, rivaling the success of Ghost of Tsushima. This is notable considering the limitations posed by the smaller PS4 install base and the pandemic-related restrictions. The game has received critical acclaim for maintaining the high standards set by its forerunner.

An Encounter with Feodor Chin

Adding excitement to the game’s release was our opportunity to interview Feodor Chin, the talented actor behind Lord Saito— the primary antagonist of Ghost of Yōtei and leader of the Yōtei Six. With a rich background in video games dating back to the original World of Warcraft, Chin is no stranger to voice acting. He also portrayed Lord Adachi in Ghost of Tsushima and has appeared in recent TV series such as Secret Level, Love, Death & Robots, and Marvel Zombies.

Feodor Chin against a wooden backdrop — Feodor Chin (Photo credit: Diana Ragland)

Insights into Voice Acting for Games vs. TV

In our discussion, Chin reflected on the nuances of voice acting for video games compared to television.“The core approach to character portrayal remains constant, regardless of the medium. However, a significant distinction is that television audiences are passive, while gamers are active participants, ”he explained. This dynamic requires actors to deliver performances that engage players more intensely to keep their attention.

The Creative Dynamics of Voice Acting

When asked about the intensity of gaming performances, Chin shared, “It’s not just about being intense; it’s about being actively engaged.”Actors often need to guide players through their actions, which necessitates a heightened level of energy in their voice delivery.

Chin’s Gaming Experience

Chin admits to enjoying video games himself, although he admits to not being overly skilled: “I think of gaming as a relaxing pastime. I typically prefer playing on easy mode to avoid frustration.”Notably, he mentioned that he spent significant time immersed in Ghost of Tsushima during its release period amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

A focused samurai during a dramatic duel — Chin thoroughly enjoyed the engaging experience of playing Ghost of Tsushima.

Comparing Characters from the Series

When discussing his roles, Chin contrasted Lord Adachi from Ghost of Tsushima with Lord Saito in Ghost of Yōtei.“Lord Adachi was renowned as a master swordsman but met an abrupt demise, ”he noted.“In contrast, Lord Saito has a much more extended arc and a complex narrative, as he embodies the archetypal villain.”He emphasized the necessity for actors to portray their characters with authenticity, refraining from moral judgment.

Thematic Connections between Characters

A profound aspect of the narrative is the shared motivations between Lord Saito and the protagonist, Atsu. Chin commented, “They are essentially two sides of the same coin, driven by revenge and the quest for justice, continuously reflecting the blurred lines between right and wrong.”This thematic complexity resonates throughout Ghost of Yōtei, culminating in poignant moments during their climactic battles.

Intense confrontation set against a fiery backdrop — Exploring the dramatic visuals and conflicts in Ghost of Yōtei.

Motion Capture and Future Endeavors

Chin divulged that his work on both titles was primarily conducted in a studio setting. He expressed enthusiasm for the motion capture experience, which presents its own set of challenges but is ultimately rewarding.“Motion capture has stretched my abilities as an actor, and I find it incredibly rewarding now, ”Chin remarked.

The Role of AI in Acting

Addressing the controversial issue of AI in voice acting, Chin believes that while AI can serve as a useful tool, it should never replace human performers.“What audiences truly crave is a human connection, ”he stated, emphasizing the irreplaceable quality of human emotion in performances.

As our conversation ended, Chin expressed excitement about continuing to explore diverse gaming roles.“The cinematic nature of modern games is why I’m eager to work on more projects, ”he stated confidently.

Closing Thoughts

Chin’s dedication to crafting memorable characters and his insights into the immersive world of video games make him a standout figure in this evolving industry. We extend our gratitude to him for sharing his experiences and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

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