Sunderfolk Team Talks Anjali Bhimani’s Role As The GM

Sunderfolk Team Talks Anjali Bhimani's Role As The GM

As a seasoned tabletop gamer, I can wholeheartedly appreciate the significance of a Game Master (GM) in enriching any role-playing game experience, be it Dungeons and Dragons or otherwise. The recent surge in the representation of GMs in games like Sunderfolk, with the exceptional work of Anjali Bhimani, is not only refreshing but also sets a promising trend for the future.


In any game like Dungeons and Dragons or similar tabletop games, the Game Master, often referred to as the Dungeon Master, plays a crucial role. From Brennan Lee Mulligan to Matthew Mercer and many others, a skilled DM can greatly influence the success or failure of a campaign. Consequently, it’s not unexpected that a game like Sunderfolk, heavily influenced by tabletop gaming, would incorporate a Game Master within its universe. The creators of Sunderfolk are excited about their collaboration with veteran actress Anjali Bhimani to craft a humorous and heartfelt tale in an adorable world populated by anthropomorphic animals.

Recently, I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek at Sunderfolk and chatting with some members from its development team. They were thrilled about collaborating with Anjali Bhimani, who not only narrates the game’s events but also gives life to every Non-Player Character. The crew behind Secret Door is optimistic that with Anjali Bhimani’s work in Sunderfolk and other recent roles like Amelia Tyler’s Narrator in Baldur’s Gate 3, we might see the concept of a Game Master or Dungeon Master becoming more prevalent in games.

Anjali Bhimani Plays Many Roles In Sunderfolk

Sunderfolk Team Talks Anjali Bhimani's Role As The GM

Anjali Bhimani, recognized primarily for her role as Symmetra in Overwatch, has a strong affinity for tabletop gaming and is not new to this realm. A devoted fan of Dungeons & Dragons (DND), she has made guest appearances on Exandria Unlimited, featured on Dimension 20, and joined one-shots at conventions, even sharing the game space with celebrities like Samantha Beart and Neil Newbon.

Bhimani joined the Sunderfolk team, having been recommended by several Critical Role writers she collaborated with on the project. Upon seeing her work as a GM, they became instantly captivated and praised her dedication and diligence. They admired how she was prepared to invest additional hours in the studio to achieve the ideal voice for each character. The production team highlighted her eagerness to play various NPC roles, commenting on her enthusiasm for bringing diverse characters to life.

“She is deeply involved in the tabletop gaming community and adores the environment, as well as finding joy in expanding others’ experiences. This aspect truly spoke to her…Upon getting the chance to play for the first time, she exclaimed…I want to shape this character’s voice in this manner, now that I understand its role within the game.

Including A Game Master Was Important To The Team

Sunderfolk Team Talks Anjali Bhimani's Role As The GM

Right from the get-go, the creators of Sunderfolk aimed to design the game in a way that mirrored their personal experiences with board games and role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. To achieve this, they emphasized the tangible card system and prioritized social interaction aspects. They believed that incorporating a Game Master (GM) was crucial for making Sunderfolk seem authentic to board game and tabletop gaming aficionados.

A significant number of team members showed great enthusiasm towards this project, as they had previously served as Dungeon Masters and aimed to replicate that immersive experience. Game Director Erin Marek discussed the role of a GM as someone who skillfully draws various character voices, making them distinct and engaging. This is similar to Anjali Bhimani’s performance in Sunderfolk. Players who have led their own games, such as in Dungeons and Dragons, will likely resonate with Bhimani’s role, as her vast array of voices promises to infuse humor and emotion into every gaming session.

In simpler terms, team members refer to a Game Master (GM) as someone who acts like a “connector” between players and the game’s universe by explaining it and introducing non-player characters (NPCs) they will interact with. They noted that while narrators have been present in games previously, they believe that the Game Master in Sunderfolk stands out because she not only tells the story but also voices every character within the game. They expressed their desire to see more GMs and DMs represented in video games and believe that Sunderfolk could pave the way for this trend in the genre.

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2024-10-12 15:34