In the latest installment of Disk Cleanup, we delve into the gaming world of Ashly Burch, a multifaceted talent known for her voice acting in popular video games. Burch’s journey into PC gaming began with a humble start, playing a Donkey Kong knockoff on her mother’s typing practice computer. However, it was LucasArts’ Day of the Tentacle that left a lasting impression on her, introducing her to the narrative depth and humor that games could offer. “It expanded my concept of what a thing can be,” she reflects.
Burch gained recognition through the online sketch show Hey Ash, Whatcha Playin’ before making her mark as Tiny Tina in Borderlands 2. Her impressive portfolio also includes roles as Chloe in Life is Strange, Parvati Holcomb in The Outer Worlds, and Aloy in Guerrilla Games’ Horizon series. Currently, she is channeling her creativity into her passion project, I’m Happy You’re Here, a YouTube comedy series aimed at making mental health discussions more accessible. “They’re easy, shareable, hopefully easy to understand distillations of complicated concepts,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of making such topics approachable.
What game are you currently playing?
Recently, Burch has embarked on a new adventure with The Incident at Galley House, a detective game that has her navigating a web of leads. “I’m at that part where you feel overwhelmed with too many leads,” she admits. Her affinity for detective games is evident, as she reminisces about her love for Return of the Obra Dinn and how it reshaped her expectations of the genre. “When it’s a good detective game, you really feel like a detective,” she notes, relishing the satisfaction of piecing together clues.
What was the previous game you played, and is it still installed?
Burch recently uninstalled Fields of Mistria after investing countless hours into it. “I can’t look at the little icon anymore,” she quips. Meanwhile, her Steam Deck still houses Kentucky Route Zero, a game she hasn’t finished yet. “I was younger when I first played it and couldn’t grasp its abstract nature,” she reflects, acknowledging her growth as a gamer since then.
What is the highest number of hours you have in any given game, according to Steam?
When it comes to time spent gaming, Burch admits to clocking an impressive 270 hours in Slay the Spire. “I got really obsessed,” she confesses, highlighting the game’s perfect balance of luck and skill. The intricate design and character details keep her engaged, as she appreciates the depth each character brings to the gameplay experience.
What game will you never, ever uninstall?
Burch’s unwavering loyalty lies with League of Legends, particularly for its ARAM mode, which she enjoyed with friends during the pandemic. “It was my after-work ritual,” she recalls, grateful for the time it allowed her to learn the game. Despite the overwhelming number of characters and constant updates, she feels equipped to hold her own in matches.
What’s a piece of non-gaming software installed on your PC that you simply couldn’t live without?
On a practical note, Burch relies on Audacity for her voice auditions. “It’s a simple answer, but I’ve used it for so many years that I don’t want to switch,” she admits, valuing its straightforward functionality.
How tidy is your desktop screen?
Maintaining a tidy workspace is crucial for Burch. “I can’t handle clutter,” she states firmly. With a clean desktop featuring only essential documents and her preferred writing software, Fade In, she emphasizes the importance of an organized environment for her creative process. “It calms my nervous system down,” she adds, hinting at her personal approach to managing both her workspace and mental well-being.
