In the realm of PC gaming, few figures shine as brightly as Sally Beaumont. Her journey began with a rather unconventional introduction to gaming, recalling her early days spent playing Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards on the family computer. “Which I should not have been playing,” she admits, reflecting on the misconceptions many parents held about video games during that era. Yet, it was The Curse of Monkey Island that truly left an indelible mark on her career, igniting her passion for voice acting. “I blame/love Dominic Armato for making me realize that being a voice actor is a real job,” she shares, highlighting the pivotal role this game played in her professional path.
Beaumont’s impressive portfolio includes titles such as Harold Halibut, The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow, and Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader. She is also the lead voice in the upcoming Old Skies, a project that earned her a spot in the BAFTA Breakthrough program. Currently, she is juggling multiple projects, including El Paso, Elsewhere 2, but graciously took a moment to guide us through her digital workspace.
What game are you currently playing?
At present, Beaumont finds herself immersed in The Séance of Blake Manor, a game that she admits is a bit self-referential since she is part of the cast. “I’ve forgotten all the lines,” she laughs, noting the excitement of watching her colleagues engage with the game after finishing another project. The current heatwave has made the rainy, gloomy atmosphere of the game particularly appealing. She also cherishes Nelly Cootalot, a title she revisits frequently due to its charm and clever humor. “It’s Alasdair Beckett-King’s love letter to Curse of Monkey Island,” she explains, appreciating how it captures the essence of the original while introducing modern sensibilities.
Beaumont reflects on the joy of narrative-driven, single-player games, likening them to a beloved pub where familiar characters await. “At different times in your life, games and stories mean something different to you,” she muses, recalling her teenage experience with Day of the Tentacle and how her perspective has evolved over the years. “Purple Tentacle kind of has a point,” she quips, emphasizing the game’s clever exploration of time travel and consequences.
What is the highest number of hours you have in any given game, according to Steam?
When it comes to time spent gaming, Beaumont’s record is held by Old Skies. “It’s probably a maximum 15-hour game, but because of the way I write, I was using the game to ground myself back into the role,” she explains. However, when discussing games she hasn’t worked on, she cites Two Point Hospital as her most-played title. “I was a big fan of Theme Park and Theme Hospital, and I know Two Point Hospital is a homage,” she notes. Interestingly, she found comfort in playing it leading up to a surgery, appreciating the manageable goals it set for her amidst the anxiety.
What game will you never, ever uninstall?
After careful consideration, Beaumont admits she doesn’t have a game she would never uninstall. “It’s because I predominantly play narrative and single-player games, and it’s nice to have an ending,” she explains. “There is a grieving period” before she finally decides to remove a game from her library.
What’s a piece of non-gaming software installed on your PC that you simply couldn’t live without?
Beaumont’s go-to non-gaming software is GoldWave, an audio editing tool she swears by. Despite its lack of a Mac version, she continues to use it on her PC, praising its simplicity and effectiveness. “It’s my emotional support audio,” she quips, highlighting its pop and click filter, which is essential for voice actors. “It’s far better to prevent pops and clicks, but sometimes you’ll do an amazing take, and there’s just like a little click on it,” she explains, underscoring the importance of quality audio in her work.
How tidy is your desktop screen?
When it comes to her desktop, Beaumont describes it as “absolute chaos.” The organization starts strong in the top left corner but quickly devolves into disarray. “There’s no day where you wake up and go, ‘You know what, it’s a lovely day. I’ve got nothing to do. I’m going to organize my desktop,'” she admits. However, her tendency to uninstall programs leaves behind gaps, creating a unique landscape of memories on her screen. “It really is like kicking bricks out of a wall,” she concludes, painting a vivid picture of her digital clutter.
