There Came an Echo - Voice activated RTS starring Wil Wheaton

There Came an Echo presents a bold experiment in how players issue commands, leveraging voice control to manage a squad in a real-time strategy setting. The interview at the Indie Mega Booth explains that the game is a voice controlled RTS where players issue battlefield commands aloud to direct units through tactical scenarios. A key feature described is command aliasing, which lets players replace standard military commands or character names with personalized phrases or celebrity monikers, making the experience highly customizable and potentially more intuitive for players who struggle with traditional command syntax. The discussion also covers the option to use traditional inputs such as keyboard and mouse or gamepad, ensuring flexible playstyles. The developer emphasizes the intent to forge an emotional connection with characters through voice acting, noting an upcoming cast that includes Wil Wheaton, Ashley Burch, and others, and explaining how the voice work enhances narrative and player immersion. The creator also candidly acknowledges risks, such as the novelty of voice control and the challenge of attracting attention in a crowded indie space, but argues that the experimental approach offers a richer storytelling and strategic experience. Overall, the video conveys a sense of excitement around trying something genuinely different in the indie scene, inviting viewers to imagine how vocal interaction could evolve RTS gameplay and player engagement.

Topics · video game · technology · indie game · voice control