Why Barbara's English Voice Changed in 1.3

A brief explanation and discussion about Barbara's recently changed English voice lines.
Voice Comparison: / barbaras_skill_voices_...
Intro: 0:00
Context: 0:18
Voice Director's Thoughts: 1:03
Summary: 3:04
Discussion: 3:29
My Thoughts: 4:11
Closing: 4:50
#Barbara #Genshin #GenshinImpact

[@axolotl7155]

I guess Barbara finally realised that the Holy Lyre is still broken...

[@Xander0907]

🤣🤣🤣

[@cjmartinez8318]

*Why are we still here, just to suffer?*

[@Xander0907]

@@cjmartinez8318 yesn't

[@galacticpookachus6780]

She realised she'll never be as tall as her big sister.

[@some1magget102]

Oh RIP

[@jeromecalacsan7439]

barbara's old voice is a happy little accident

[@Agilku117]

Yes.

[@jexerkyleadefuin2729]

Oogway: There are no accidents.

[@eminetugrul1053]

Happy little accidents should stay and be a reminder that it is ok to make mistakes at times they shouldn't have replaced the old voice lines : (

[@HaruTH]

"it's not a bug. it's a feature."

[@KOKOBC]

more like a big accident, since now the community doesn't like the new voice and it's rather hard to change people's opinions

[@SkulletteFire]

I feel like the new voice fits her better, but I think we are all so used to the old voice that it just sounds wrong. I don’t like it for that reason, but I’ll probably get used to it eventually and then I’ll be ok with it.

[@cakephone7893]

Yeah,but i hope it more cheerful,but it's okay,still fit then old voice soft voice doesn't mean that character is depressed lol

[@SkulletteFire]

@Kumaro lol thanks

[@readyforlol]

I had never heard those voicelines (not having Barbara and all that), and i like the old ones better. She sounded happy to be there, and now it feels like i'm just dragging her along against her will and she's sarcastically going "let's dance." as if reading from a script i'm having her read out loud at gunpoint.

[@lasmgoogleaccount9728]

I'll have to respectfully disagree. I just started playing a week ago. For real. And hearing this, I gotta say... I prefer the old one. The new one sounds like we're gonna sleep than fight.

[@treshi]

The old voice was too exciting, had way too much joy. New voice is also way cleaner and I prefer that, you can hear some scratching in the old voice "let the SHOW begin" show sounds terrible, like she has a frog in her throat.

[@star-crossedallies3667]

I’m sorry but this is actually hilarious, accidentally using the wrong voice lines that everyone liked more but when the right ones are added everyone hated them XD

[@jesse564]

Because change = bad in most people's minds

[@Crybabykween]

Ngl I *hated* her old voice because I found it annoying but her new voice isn’t perfect

[@tatakae5069]

Im just here to remind you that this comment of yours exists and now I made it has 1000 likes c:

[@Crybabykween]

@@tatakae5069 opinions

[@the1onlynoob]

That moment when Barbara realise she will never be as tall as her sister.

[@florousy4282]

LMAOOOOO

[@Absent_keebs]

fuck that's a good one

[@yitababi1798]

LOLLLL

[@kermitwantsdeath6665]

I loved her old voice because she sounded extremely energetic like a pop star is. Her new voice sounds like she's just sitting down and doing a podcast.

[@carqizzu3872]

Lol that rhyme so good

[@comebackz5279]

or sounds like a nun

[@datosdatos9342]

Hhahahahahahahah

[@ark2213]

The old voice sounds like she is pretending a character like every pop star does. Now it sounds more real.

[@Bos_Meong]

@@ark2213 tru but still better than the newer one. If they want to make her softer and gentle they need to try harder

[@SlainByTheWire]

It amazes me that people think she sounds depressed when it's just a soft voice for a gentle character that wants to heal everyone. Soft voices don't mean they're depressed ffs. -_-

[@midipixel7751]

Underrated comment

[@kingtravis3540]

I agree

[@cakephone7893]

Yeah,i actually like her new voice,but i hope it more cheerful:)

[@readyforlol]

That's not AT ALL what they're implying. She didn't sound less gentle, she sounded enthusiastic. Now she doesn't sound more gentle to me, she just sounds bored.

[@rixku3358]

Finally. A person with common sense.

[@pouf.9573]

I like her new voice more, judging from her personality from story quests, she is more of a calm idol who may look shy but is full of happiness

[@xchilde7160]

yep, I honestly think that's how they wanted to portray Barbara at the first place, just like the other language versions.

[@SeraphimDragon]

The *sounds* full of depression now.

[@beta_unknow3050]

Exactly. Finally someone use his braincells. The new voice is more in character.

[@Symphonyyrr]

@@reignbeaux4399 the part where it's 5% is true, but no opinion is 'irrelevant' or 'doesn't matter'. Respect others opinions and they'll respect yours

[@Symphonyyrr]

@@reignbeaux4399 Maybe respect others opinions because that's basic human decency? If you don't agree with it then act mature and just say you don't agree with it, not start a pointless fight and write a whole ass paragraph of why you don't need others respect. Grow up and deal with it.

[@cubyology]

Shes going through her billie eilish phase, give her a year and a half and she'll go back to the usual

[@iambutasmolcat.7040]

pls take my like

[@hokachi6401]

Lmao

[@itzcrystalzz]

@@hokachi6401 hi

[@hokachi6401]

@@itzcrystalzz oh bruh

[@itzcrystalzz]

@@hokachi6401 can i not say hi?

[@sopmodii1505]

It's not a gamebreaking change but the old voice was actually really good, raspy upbeat idol voice really fit into the Barbara we have in the story. New Barbara sounds like she is a calm and proper nun, it is okay as a voice acting but Barbara is not like the other nuns in the Favonious Church, she is a young idol that actually performs on a stage. I wish for the old sound.

[@Moa_Smug]

The old voice wasn't even the intended voice for her.

[@sopmodii1505]

@@Moa_Smug I know it wasn't , I watched the video too. I'm just giving my opinion about how the upbeat cheery voicecracks were a better option than the "Calm and caring nun" stereotype that Mihoyo goes by. I'm okay with their decisions, it is their game after all.

[@Moa_Smug]

@@sopmodii1505 Glad to know u're understanding with the Voice Director's decision. It's just sad that there are other toxic players out there who don't respect their decision, they don't respect the staff and voice actress so what gives them the right to complain? when they're not the ones who has to deal with choosing Barbara's voice

[@thesaltypearl7163]

I hope you’re joking lol. Not liking her new voice isn’t toxic

[@Moa_Smug]

@@thesaltypearl7163 Bashing and harrassing both the staff and the VA in all social media especially Twitter is toxic lol

[@chenchen6150]

The sad thing about this whole voice change is....there are people litteraly harras the eng va of Barbara which is pretty messed up.

[@tarooooooo9970]

yeah, those dumb people can’t differentiate the character from the va + don’t have enough mental capacity to know mihoyo told the voice actress to do new lines

[@xHeyItsCami]

@@tarooooooo9970 Not even new lines. They were already recorded but messed up when putting the lines in the game...so old voice lines happened. I joined during the end of 1.3, though, so I never heard the original English voice lines.

[@lettuce4907]

@@xHeyItsCami Xinyan's impression of Barbara

[@ladyazura6525]

Agreed, they did nothing wrong.

[@yinxingye]

Never ever harass voice actors for this.

[@AesirUnlimited]

Her old lines were definitely just placeholder ones. She would sound different in cutscenes, and I always found it weird that she seemed like a calm and soft spoken character in cutscenes, but then very energetic and outspoken in her playable voicelines. She definitely has a more consistent personality now.

[@xHeyItsCami]

I noticed that when the video played them. I'm just like...uh... I like consistency with my character voices

[@hanzskarl4865]

YES FINALLY SOME ONE UNDERSTANDS, if they kept the old voice lines it would sound like 2 different people. The new one is superior because her dialoug voice.

[@Haru-rs2su]

I just... Don't want her to sound so depressed... Every time she's on the field I'm like "gurl who hurt you? Tell me and I'll hunt them down."

[@cherrylara8197]

but the new voice tones sounds better than her old one that sound like a rocktar like xinyan, try to listen barabara's jp voice then compare it to english version it nearly matches except jp version sounds sweeter

[@Haru-rs2su]

@@cherrylara8197 actually, I do agree. I've always thought her English voice was really raspy, and it did annoy me a little. But I like her energy. When I got to know her voice actress is also Xinyan's it made sense. Like I said though, it's not like the soft voice isn't cute. Her ult tho, it sounds like she's tired and will pass out any time. Def not a good feeling for my main healer. Cute and sad is different in tone you know, but for the rest, I do see your point. Oh yeah I should add that I used Jp most of the time, so switching to Eng was more jarring to me.

[@tenthshadow3764]

You want to know who hurt Barbara it was Rosaria she the one who hurt Barbara

[@Gnidel]

Venti. Venti dit it to her. She realized that Lyre was broken and got depressed.

[@arnandanuryunita689]

Rosaria, probably

[@zie368]

i love her new voice :( her voice in cutscenes is soft and shy and her newer voice matches much better

[@allright4668]

@@SpookyCatto I think they kinda got rid of her happy way to much, but I prefer her soft speaking. If only she wouldng sound so depressed, i think it would fit better.

[@Burnlit1337]

To my chagrin the new voice does indeed matches her storyline personally better; soft and shy. BUUUTT I still love and miss the pre-1.3 voice as that energetic voice made her fun to play in my team.

[@dauxgaming577]

Ewwww no

[@omnientity803]

and then there's me, who uses the Japanese voices

[@BigT.Larrity]

Her new voice is much more fitting and appropriate for her character and consistency, but I kinda love the manic tomboy energy of her original

[@xXHothead126Xx]

All I can say is, I miss the old way she would say "Go Barbara go!"

[@prinnyherodood2490]

The new way is just cringe. I miss the old way too. Sigh.

[@brandonpierce2539]

That's pretty much the ONLY thing I actively prefer over the new lines. I'm largely indifferent to the rest of the changes otherwise.

[@MetalGearSortof]

Indeed, there's just something uplifting about that and her "Let the show begin" lines. I found a way to restore her old voice here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmecmZ6Ci9WCgtU it just takes moving some voice files around. Hopefully, mihoyo will leave the old voice files alone.

[@semjoi]

go burbur go. yes very good.

[@ayanoharuka4169]

Sameeee ;_;

[@yeetboy8671]

After all the regions has been released Someone's gonna make a meme about veteran players the only ones who knows about the old Barbara's voice

[@Crybabykween]

And complain about it like a toddler

[@VlKING]

@@Crybabykween its valid allow it fam

[@rawrdino7046]

I'm a day 1 player but I use jp voices

[@hopeatlast9617]

I enjoy the old one more because she actually gave you the feeling that we're gonna beat some asses around Teyvat. The problem is that she felt like two characters : a cutscenes Barbara that is shy and calm and a "in-game" Barbara with a raspy and energetic voice that motivates you while you're killing Hilicurls and Fatui agents. The new one however is more accurate to the cutscenes Barbara but doesn't feel like she wants to be here, singing and healing the others, fighting monsters... Which feels out of place compared to the old "in-game" Barbara. My real complaint is how she is slower in her voice lines. (Go barbara go ; Let the show begin ; Let's dance ; etc). If they really wanted to change it however, I would prefer the same new voice but with more energy and determination in it.

[@cerberus5073]

It's a big shift, but I feel like there really SHOULD be a change in tone from when you're having a normal conversation to when you're killing things and trying not to die. That's one of the things I liked about her old voice - she felt more real than some of the other characters because she seemed to be taking it seriously.

[@Chan0art]

Her character art matches the old voice more but the cutscenes match the new voice

[@DrSwazz]

@@bvq330 No it's go bruh bruh go

[@cuckoophendula8211]

I've had this theory that they were in the middle of retconning Barbara's character as the game was about to be released (she worked as a nun, but her character bio tended to emphasize that she's an idol?). In the end, they just decided to just MAKE HER EVERYTHING! They did alright explaining her dual identity in game since then (her self-proclaiming to be an idol after finding a magazine that talked about it, and having a Barbara fan club), but her two sets of voice lines also do happen to line up with my theory as well. The soft ones coincide with her nun persona and her gung ho ones with her idol persona. Along this theory, the set they'd end up using depended on which way they were in the middle of retconning at the time. (of course, this theory isn't as strong knowing that it's only the English voices that were changed in such a way)

[@haileyanimates2356]

I like Barbaras new voice, it's a lot more relaxing to listen to, especially when she says it over and over again when fighting. Just my opinion though, I can understand people being upset.

[@SAVAGEGARD3N]

i like her new voice a lot more, it’s calmer and suits her character a lot more. the raspiness doesn’t work for her at all.

[@Zakading]

Honestly, they should just make a third recording that sounds as calm and gentle as the new one but has at least a little more energy in it like the original.

[@awalkingfurret4207]

I think the main problem is that the new voice really doesn't fit combat at all. If they want to keep it, they should just change her combat voice-lines entirely and people would be more willing to accept it

[@Moa_Smug]

They could record a new one using Barbara's new voice but with a little bit more energetic and cutesy vibe coz that will be accurate to her soft-spoken voice. And it will actually fix the issue on her combat voice

[@cherrylara8197]

@@Moa_Smug the new voice match her jp version now they just need to make the new voice more sweeter cuz barbara's character is sweeter and not energetic

[@Moa_Smug]

@@cherrylara8197 Yeah, they could do that, and money won't even be a problem coz there's a lot of whales giving them money everyday...Heck they even bought and gave their employees PS5 units, Nintendo Switch units, and RTX (RTX something i forgot the model number, i think this is a PC unit)

[@rei8182]

so JP voice should be changed cuz it doesnt suite for combats as well?

[@Moa_Smug]

@@rei8182 JP voice is fine, the idol thing was taken from japanese culture so they know how they'll do Barbara. I think every language has their own take on her character. English went for the calm nun/idol and Japanese went for the typically sweet idol. If i were to pick, i'd pick japanese simply because it's Akari Kito. I've known her in Love Live Nijigasaki and came to love her voice acting and her singing voice.

[@happyhippo2704]

So my theory is Barbara's true personality is timid (new voice), while her energetic lively side is her idol's front. After months and months of putting up the lively front, now she's going back to her true self, a timid gental caring girl. This fit her as a nun with purity. Can we have a "button" on her to switch personality? No one will complain then if they are given a choice.

[@cherrylara8197]

try her jp voice then compare they nearly the same now if they can make it sound more sweeter the new voice is perfect for her

[@bruh-hr1mt]

@@cherrylara8197 Jp voice has more energy though. En barbara now sounds depressed honestly

[@Gems_W]

@@bruh-hr1mt everyone is depressed in genshin

[@Jimanderson124]

I don’t think mihoyo gives two shit about her voices or the game anymore since they made so much money. This game is dead with people throwing money brainlessly and the company won’t budge on players opinions.

[@Gems_W]

@@Jimanderson124 well we don't know how the company really is so let's just observe and enjoy the game while we can

[@Ok4mii]

New voice is way better. Actually fits the character we see in all of the cutscenes. Also the fact she doesn't even sound remotely depressed like you people are claiming. It's like people think not being extremely energetic 24/7 makes you depressed.

[@emajhonelrosario4763]

Agreed. I don't know where people are getting this idea that Barbara is this over-energetic idol all the time. If you read her story, she has plenty that she keeps bottled to herself. She's a lot more mature and calm then a lot of people give her credit for. She's not "Go Barbara Goooo!!!!!!!" all the time. It takes awhile to get used to sure; but her new tone suits her character.

[@ashy1687]

Finally someone understands!

[@tuskinekinase]

Old voice sounds very different from her CN and JPN voice. In fact some of the Chinese player base found the original English voice kinda cringy. The new voice should be closer to the original creative intention. I guess some of it has to do with cultural expectation? Like how in the East some of the girl idols are expected to be a soft girl but in the West it's this overly energetic image that people expect from idols... and a lot of the time Western audience doesn't have the best of cultural nuance in mind... And I also really hate the "if you're not energetic all the time you're depressed" stereotype like what the heck, it's shit like this that actually makes people depressed

[@cupcupping]

I agree!

[@midipixel7751]

@@ashy1687 IKR!?

[@Maxx-00]

to me, it sounds a little softer and sweeter. it fits her character.

[@sagathekawaiikilla]

TOP 10 anime betrayal #1 Barbara’s voice

[@nehan_721]

the biggest betrayal is Genshin being not an anime

[@smallyoutuber9355]

But I see trailer in anime

[@lukeduker8411]

#2 Rosaria nerf

[@franklinz8098]

To be fair, her new voice matches the voices in Japanese and Chinese. Barbara's image in English was deviated from that of other languages because of her old voice. It makes sense in character building as well since the "energetic singer" was already taken by Xinyan.

[@afivestarwaterboi781]

thats ironic... both those characters have the same voice actor

[@Freshieroleplays]

barbara's newer voice tone honestly fits her personality more

[@takamuramamouru5584]

English dub lovers: Japanese dub lovers: *Laughs with a pity*

[@thefawn]

Simple solution, keep both. The energetic one during morning and early day, the other one for the rest of the day since she tires quickly. They are already implementing passives based on time of day so this wouldn't matter much unless it takes too many resources from devices

[@guhstaths]

Yo thats a great idea!

[@rabbits2345]

Dude that is actually a solid idea

[@maryannstaskywicz9498]

Time of day in-game or time of day server?

[@justice7014]

I support this

[@houdaini7]

wait that's actually really good

[@kari_ari]

i prefer her old voice, she was raspy and energetic and i really enjoyed playing using barbara, the new voice annoys me, its really lazy and not as happy as it used to be

[@ihatewasabi9620]

Email Mihoyo. I will get Barbara back if its the last thing I do

[@kari_ari]

@@ihatewasabi9620 i already sent them feedback, hopefully we get her voice back:(

[@livestroke9619]

Its foreshadowing her dea-

[@Azu_reer_uzA]

Man I loved it when she said "Let the show begin!" In a really energetic way. The bad thing about her is she no longer makes me feel happy about her. I like her energetic voice. It makes me feel happy

[@slushy9159]

@@Azu_reer_uzA let the heal turns to suffer

[@KrimsonWing]

When the game first came out I found it weird that she had a loud raspy voice In just a few of her voice lines where is the majority of her dialogue was pretty quiet and reserved. I think the changes fit but that’s just me.

[@k3salieri]

I remember going to do her hangout event and saying "Let the show begin!" In her raspy way then realized Oh wait... She's not as energetic anymore. Now I'm all for change. But her old voice was energetic and felt great to hear. Now just sounds like she doesn't really want to be there.

[@shopnil4]

I'd rather have the Barbara that fills me with energy, determination, and motivation in battle rather than feeling like we're at a tea party. Even Sucrose had more intense lines, and she's the shy one!

[@thisperson8315]

Barbara is a shy one too..

[@sakareeh]

@@thisperson8315 I mean sucrose is technically more shy since Barbra is a literal pop star

[@hiromibkn2863]

@@sakareeh Barbara want to be a idol(a jp idol) And did you read her lore?

[@bocahdongo7769]

@@hiromibkn2863 EN Barbara is EN Barbara, not everything must be based from JP acting. If you underestimated why this is a big deal, simple analogy : You don't want Mona JP voice sounds like Sheffield "Azur Lane" despite same VA because in lore she's goddam serious in everything

[@kimkardashianssalad920]

@@hiromibkn2863 LMFAOOO im pretty sure barbara might be german

[@TheHungerGamesByeRue]

The new voice sounds like an emotionless girl trying to act cute and happy :')

[@shi-chan5779]

No i dont think so. Idk why the genshin community things like that, i think because there are angry. She doesnt sounds sad at all she is just more gentle. I also like the old voice more but cmon

[@Witch_of_Gains]

Nah, I disagree, she sounds more calm and gentle, more true to her character when she achieved her vision. If I had to choose between hearing a raspy voice or a soothing one in a calm voice I'd take the soothing one where I can mellow out and relax.

[@shi-chan5779]

@@Witch_of_Gains Yeah. Idk why people dont like changes and just hate.

[@samsmith7120]

the last one was literally that, it sounded like she was trying to hard and was kind of annoying imo I like the soothing one more.

[@samsmith7120]

@@shi-chan5779 wait what? people legit are going mad? I thought it was ironic, imagine being angry at such a small thing that's just sad.

[@mistyparalysis]

I prefer the softer and calm Barbara over the slightly raspy and energetic Barbara

[@Spenta]

Nice stream, thank you

[@darkice60000]

i liked her old voice better. the new voice sounds more generic and robotic, like they're trying a little too hard to stay in perfect pitch and volume while the old one sounded more like how a person would normally sound. the slight "raspy-ness" and the accentuation of certain words gave the character a little bit more personality while the new one sounds more flat because they're articulating every word the same way so now instead of "lets DANCE!" its "lets dance!". kind of took the oomph out of her.

[@phuct4980]

Well her new voice is what her voice was INTENTED since the game launched so her old voice is just a MISTAKE in recording. So asking or harassing VA ( yes some dickweed harassed Barbrara English VA) just want Mihoyo to add in a wrong voice file again. Idk why people are literally fussing about, is there more important thing to improve like idk new content and resin system.

[@darkice60000]

@@phuct4980 sure it was a mistake but its not like anyone was complaining about it. Seems to me like people loved her voice lines so its completely understandable why they hate the change. They fixed something that wasn't broken. Of course the people harassing the VA are dumbasses though. Also the game is constantly getting new content and people are capable of complaining about more than one thing. People are gonna complain about resin until the end of time, nobody forgot about it just because Barbara's voice lines are different.

[@phuct4980]

@@darkice60000 talking about the resin system. Most others gacha game done quite a good job to keep people playing without waiting. For example Azur Lane ( aka Countries Warship turned in ship girls) have an OIL system with storage limit stand for the amount of oil u can regenerate until you reach that limit. But there is another limit cap ( maximum cap ) about 25000 ( most battle cost 20-60). One way to reach this cap is sending your girls on commission, daily and weekly rewards and Azur Lane devs after every server maintenance give the players about 1500-2000 through mail. And there other mail rewards as well. And like AL, Arknight, Fate GO ,.... have done the same and they do it through having two cap : a regenerated cap and maximum cap or no cap at all .

[@zurielbabida8162]

Her old voice sounded like she couldnt reach high notes

[@sisssyj1]

@@zurielbabida8162 this was headcanon for og Barbara's voice, a pop star that can't sing but her fans don't want to hurt her feelings

[@rogueeigengrau3735]

I will still max my friendship with her... then swap her out for Noelle and Bennett :(

[@DrMorax]

I have already got her to friendship 10 a month ago :)

[@jadecoolness101]

I dropped her for Diona lol. Never looking back.

[@Eanki_]

Dropped her for Qiqi, the healer I used to only bring out in domains and abyss. Qiqi has more emotions than new docile Barbara.

[@buwooo]

hi! thanks for clearing this up man, I was really confused on this and kept searching everywhere, trying to find something on this. thanks again mate and good day!

[@afrid0042]

Appreciate the subtitles, thanks.

[@Normangandr]

Honestly speaking, I really missed her old voice and I got very upset when I found out they changed it. Barbara’s old voice just gives a very supportive friend vibe and that is shown a lot in her gameplay and how she heals her party members and trying to boost their moral. The new voice was just too soft and to me just didn’t fit when you’re fighting monsters. If I was fighting a big and intimidating lawachurl I’d rather want to here an energetic and raspy supportive friend than a soft-spoken and caring companion because it just fits the situation. But I don’t know, maybe I’ll get used to it, maybe I wont, I guess only time can tell

[@Netraven001]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, vocal tones in conversation are one thing, but vocal tones in Combat are something else entirely. Ok, so MAYBE this really is changing a mistake that was made previously, but if you've ever watched Bob Ross, there are only 'Happy Mistakes.' And this one, IMHO, was for the betterment of the game. It fit with the situation she was in: Combat. Her new lines, are too conversational in tone and do not reflect what she's actually in the process of doing. IE - Inspiring those around her. The old lines are a much better and fitting interpretation of a person that's in the thick of things. Sometimes, things happen and progress beyond the 'original artistic vision' of those in charge. And it becomes a defacto standard that the original intent just can't live up to. I guess this can also be seen in the 'GIF' vs 'JIF' pronunciation . The originators of the extension name didn't speak out until WAAAAY late, and by then 'GIF' had become the defacto standard pronunciation. Same thing here. Regardless of what their intent was, the old lines are now too ingrained in us to accept the new lines. Sure there will be new players that won't know the difference, and some old players that will like the new ones, but the vast majority of current players appear to prefer the old lines and old tones. I hope Mihoyo sees these videos and reads these comments. I hope someone there makes the (proper..?) decision to change the lines back. (I should check the official forums and add my voice there..!)

[@kooyah6420]

I've seen your take in the other video too, and it's pretty solid. I still agree the lines that MHY uses for characters should come down to their implemented scenario rather than personal preference of the developers or community (or how one interprets their "true" personality). Even if I preferred Barbara's gentler tone, I still couldn't ignore how her jarring her tone is in comparison to her burst animation and whatever combat you're involved in. I could make the same gripe about Noelle and Sucrose, but to be fair they aren't nearly as expressive in-game as to cause clashing with their personalities during combat (which have been more-or-less consistent, as opposed to arguments over whether Barbara should fit the popstar or nun archetype).

[@Netraven001]

@@kooyah6420 SHow me one character (with a pulse) that doesn't get excited during their combat lines? (Qiqi doesn't have a pulse so doesn't count!) Seriously, I hope they can hear us and realize what they had was better and change it back.

[@rattango9819]

Imma be honest here. Barbara's old voice is one of the reason i turn the voice back to english sometimes. But now i turn never change from japan. You can call me a weeb but at the very least the voice acting is a bit more believable. English loli voice are always a miss for me. The only english voice that i can listen to are the original free 4star characters.

[@BlazeLibra]

Considering the fact that each character will eventually be getting 3 act story quests, I doubt Mihoyo will ignore this predicament. My hope is that they re record the battle lines to fit the intended character for Barbara, while giving back that oomph of the old voicelines. Seems like it'd be the least work for the most results in terms of the goodwill of the community, and they most likely still have a contract with the voice actor or something, considering the need to record more voicelines in the future anyways.

[@Lboyshow]

Oh yeah? Then why every character has the same voice when taking or fighting, except Barbara? U guys cant accept the true.. Keep crying, i keep enjoying

[@justvibin9887]

this is a great video! those clips of the twitch stream are really useful to include as well. well done on the video on this topic!! edit: i especially enjoyed/agree with your disclaimer at the end and it definitely seems that your prediction was correct

[@Eav_H]

Barbara just got a little depressed because she realized she'll never be as tall as her sister is all but she's still trying

[@oktamayosua9389]

Yeah that because her Evil Big Sister. Thats why aether come to stop her from cursing Jean with photo by dating her in 1.4 😭

[@sewerpigeon]

i dont use barb, but i heard a lot of people complaining so i looked up comparisons, and what i can say is that this adjustment makes her more consistent. her profile dialogue vs old combat dialogue was two very different energies/personalities. soundwise, sure, i liked the old version too, but this change makes total sense and it’s unfortunate the files were initially mixed up. i feel bad for everyone disappointed in the change, but i agree that mihoyo should commit to their creative vision for their stories and characters. people also forget this game is barely beginning, it’s a living thing and there are going to be *tons* of adjustments and additions over the years. and yes, for the love of god, dont harass the actors or staff or studio or anyone, it’s so childish. try to understand and respect certain creative choices, even if you disagree.

[@artryxx7481]

no

[@markuu2239]

@@artryxx7481 no u

[@petrifiedplayer9617]

@@artryxx7481 Uno reverse

[@LuisBrito-ly1ko]

@Unstoppable Plays! Yeah, but that’s your problem, not the artist’s.

[@insertrandom5712]

i wouldn't say it makes her more consistant because theres a diiffrence when your sitting and talking with someone vs fighting for your life, but to each their own

[@thefinestpiece]

You do know that people don’t play the game for crazy damages. Many people take skill animation, character design and voice over into consideration before investing on said character. It’s understandable why people are not happy with the changes. Mihoyo should have made prior announcement before making a big change. I’m neutral to the change because I play with Japanese dub.

[@TheDarkEnigma]

Im on the same wavelength, tried the english dub before early on and kinda only like Barbara and Fischl. I think it's honestly wiser for them to revert it. I'll stay on my japanese voice but i can sympathise, sucks when a characters voice lines are changed. It can completely damage the characters personality..

[@sprucedragondimensions3543]

@@TheDarkEnigma but Barbara is supposed to be a calm and timid girl, her new voicelines fit her character more

[@sprucedragondimensions3543]

@@vivier3698 yes, but it fits her personality. Person above said it ruins it. Besides, the "old" voicelines weren't even the correct ones.

[@sprucedragondimensions3543]

@@vivier3698 i respect your opinion :D

[@sprucedragondimensions3543]

@@vivier3698 same! I'm really used to the english voices (also i said it fits Barbara more, but i like her old voice more)

[@VonTachyon]

People are upset because they prefer the old voice, the louder one, but let me ask you: If we had the current voice FIRST, and then it was changed out for the old one (which, in this hypothetical situation, hasn't ever been heard before), would people still prefer the voice? Think about it: If we got the current voice FIRST and it was changed later to the UPBEAT voice, we would be biased towards the current one instead, because that was what we were used to. If that was the case I bet people would call the upbeat voice "forced and excessive" haha. Also, in terms of character, the new mellow voice was the INTENDED canon voice for Barbra, not the old one. The explanation given by the voice director was that Barbra was always MEANT to be portrayed as a reserved and gentle idol, and the old voice was NEVER really supposed to be the way her character was intended to be portrayed. The new voice suits her intended personality. I could apply the same argument to someone like Xiao. People usually slam on his ENG voice for being an aggressive edgelord (even though he's technicaly STILL an "edgelord" in every other language, just *depressed* instead of aggro) but the reality is, if they changed the voice to make him NOT an edgelord, it would be *out of character* for him, regardless of how the community portrays his new voice in comparison to his old one. I really don't Barbra's new voice is WORSE, people are just, again, very used to her old voice, so of course they would be biased. But one way or another, the voices will most likely NOT be reverted, and at this point we all just need to accept that THIS is the intended voice for her.

[@Millesimia]

Thank You for sharing those informations I had no idea At all 😂

[@saymyname2618]

If the old voice was an accident, why they took 4 MONTHS to change? Changing it now was a mistake, they should either have changed at 1.1 or dont change at all, now its too late.

[@taiyakiteru4861]

maybe beacuse they were busy? personally i really love her old voice but with launch new areas zhongli drama and all that i dont think they really had the time to focus on something small like voice lines over bug patches which can affect the game

[@DionMalimbag]

I can agree with taiyaki. Voices are the least usual priority to game devs.

[@saymyname2618]

@@taiyakiteru4861 I disagree that a character's voice is something small, because it is an aspect of your character that you notice ALL the time. In this game character are like products, because they are sold. So how happy do you think people would be if they changed the voice of their beloved Venti, Klee or Zhongli that some payed hundreds of dollars to get? I know that is very unlikely that someone payed to get Barbara, because a lot of people got her for free in the lauch or in 1.1 update, however those that started playing after that didnt have her and could have rolled for her. To summarize this situation im gonna use a famous saying from my country "The consumer is always right". Dont get it wrong, the saying is not really telling the consumers are always right, what it means is that you, as the seller, should keep your opinions to yourself, and dont discuss with the buyer, cause even when he is wrong, he is "right", cause he is the one buying, and you should please them as much as possible. So, in this case, the developers opinion about the character voice DOESNT MATTER, the only opinion that matters are the players opinion, cause they are the ones playing AND paying the game.

[@doe1077]

@@saymyname2618 yep, no wonder a lot of people are complaining about her new voice now.

[@leoneedstars]

Everyone has to tell mihoyo that, either in an email or at the end in the survey about Xiao when they release it!

[@polariiice]

I think it just feels weird cause we're used to the old voice.

[@cupcupping]

I like the new one tbh, it just makes me more comfortable with her. But I use japanese dub so who cares-

[@xpralinchen]

cant we just get a button, where we can switch barbaras voices?

[@actualdragonfly7657]

There is a way to get her old voice back if you mess with the files actually

[@Genesis25hotg25]

Barbara got depressed

[@johnlloydcodera39]

Rosaria told her that she will never be as tall as Jean

[@petrifiedplayer9617]

Xiao: am emo character Barbara an idol seeing everyone like xiao more: maybe i am *depressed*

[@yomadgodzuki5413]

more than 30 min a day

[@sagathekawaiikilla]

IF IT AINT BROKE DNT FIX IT!!!!

[@zemiris]

More like, they broke her :(((

[@Moa_Smug]

Thing is it's broke, they mixed up the wrong voice and the intended voice for Barbara so now they put the intended voice for her.

[@petrifiedplayer9617]

i would like this new voice in the profile dailogues than the battle voice lines tbh

[@Moa_Smug]

@@petrifiedplayer9617 They could record a new one actually, use the new voice but with more energetic and cutesy vibe that'll fit her soft-spoken voice and that will definitely fix the issue. Just because people complain doesn't mean they need to just give up their creative view on the character just to please the players...All they need to do is look for a new angle and my suggestion will definitely fix that issue

[@petrifiedplayer9617]

@@Moa_Smug agreed but that's probably for 1.4 or 1.5

[@RuneKatashima]

I like new voice and it fits all the other lines of hers that exist in the game. This will blow over very easily.

[@ANobodyHere]

I don’t care on what they do with her voice. It’s their choice, I can’t change it

[@animeraptor8897]

This reminds me of how they nerfed the enthusiasm in Ike’s voice from smash too

[@yulianfebus]

More like how they nerfed lisa climbing moan

[@animeraptor8897]

@@yulianfebus sure but, they nerfed her climb moans, because of how ‘dangerous’ it was. They had NO reason to change her voice really, the community had no problem with her current voice and yet they changed it, although it sounds more accurate, we miss the enthusiasm of the old one BECAUSE it existed before, just like Ike’s voice

[@yulianfebus]

@@animeraptor8897 i agree with old barbara. But for lisa's case Mihoyo:THERE ARE CHILDREN WATCHING LISA NOOOO!

[@animeraptor8897]

@@yulianfebus yep 😂

[@avagames7741]

Ok, fine, time to be a bit stupid and say "I like this new voice of barb's." Kick me. But really, I think the best way Mihoyo should go about this is to add back in SOME but not ALL of Barbara's old voicelines; it's clear that the fanbase and the devs have 2 different ideas and visions (heh) of Barbara, but I think this situation would've been handled much better and there won't be that much complaints; the special Barb video the official GI YT put was a showcase of her real voice and sounded more natural than the energetic old version of herself. I feel like her more outward and upbeat lines can be put more towards battle lines, while these new clips can be kept while travelling or sitting idle. Or the other way around, because Barbara isn't really much of a fighter, and wouldn't really wanna hurt others, but hey, this is my take, after all.

[@JEvans-wy9ln]

i agree i like this idea more

[@Fake-ro6wm]

I love her new voice, it sound so calm

[@TheJoethud22]

I mean I thought y’all heard her voice in cut scenes She sound like she does now in cut scenes but now in combat

[@daedae16917]

Finding A Perfect Balance Between Her Raspy and Energetic Voice and her Gentle and Soft Voice would be perfect.

[@NNNN-rt5ww]

THIS! I like the sound of her new voice but I do think she needs her enthusiasm back

[@acceldown]

They should just give us an option to choose which version we want in game so the people that like the "new"/"correct" version can use them and people who like the "wrong" lines can pick them. Personally I like tho old ones better and would like to use them but I also don't want them to essentially be pressured by the community to do something they dont want

[@Hotspot87]

I think people who have been playing the game before they changed the voice, should get to use her old voice and anyone after would hear the new one. I just started playing two weeks ago and I've only heard the new one, so I'm used to that one and I prefer that voice over the old one.

[@missdreavus649]

tbh it always bothered me how different some of her lines were from the cutscenes

[@solacehealer7589]

Just found out about this so I thought I’d look it up after the Tighnari situation. They definitely used those voices as reference for Xinyan later.

[@Disaster3nby]

Personally, I like the old one better because it’s sounds more energetic and supportive as if she’s ready to come to your aid, which she is cUZ she’s a support healer-

[@danielquinzel9641]

the thing is, people didnt like the first voice more, they were just used to it, its like this with most people most of the time with things

[@justinperez977]

I enjoy them both and agree that they both capture the two sides of her character perfectly. Old voice has the energy and pizzazz that the pop idol in her would convey, while the new gentle voice is more indicative of both how gentle and sweet she is as well as her role of Deaconess. I've gotten used to new Barbara's voice but I still really enjoyed how lively she was originally. That said, we have what we have so no use in talking about it any further.

[@scroomergriffin890]

When I first heard the new voice I was actually excited cause I actually didnt like the old one too much and I actually really love the new voice (both voices are great though)

[@sekhmet_revuwution2383]

Honestly they should do a toggle of sorts that lets you choose the voice like how you can pick a different language for the voices.

[@Lucky-xo2de]

i sctually really liked the little rasp barbara had. it was my favorite part about her! but now its gone...

[@IN-tm8mw]

Old voice made me want to build her as a main DPS because of all that energy, new voice makes me want her to stay support and get her off the field fast so no one hurts her anymore. One thing about IDOLS or performers is you have a STAGE VOICE and a normal/down one. i always considered her shy one, her off stage persona but when the fight starts or she jumps into action, all that energy builds up into "LET THE SHOW BEGINS!"

[@chloe4521]

I like both versions of barabras voice the first one sounded more happier but after playing for a couple hours the lower more calmer voice is nice both are good

[@hikarihakai1285]

I do not see how the new voice sound depressing just timid and calm tbh

[@ashy1687]

Same here bud!

[@potatoesandducks958]

Well, not really depressing per se, just more depressing than the old ones.

[@hikarihakai1285]

@@potatoesandducks958 seriously lol that make no sense

[@potatoesandducks958]

@@hikarihakai1285 The new voices dont sound cheerful and energetic.

[@hikarihakai1285]

@@potatoesandducks958 it still do just alot more calm and mature which fit her role as someone in a church more Idk how people think it is depressing or even a bit negative A soothing, calm voice

[@AzuRemilia]

I personally don't like Barbara's new voice. It's so low-energy. Her old voice was a bit too energetic though. I think the best move would be to do new voice lines altogether, ones that feel soft and comfy, yet somewhat energetic

[@satanscat2333]

I noticed it almost immediately (which is rare for me) and I showed my friend and said she sounds depressed XD. But the way you set how it sounds reason wise. It isn’t half bad, never said it was bad but I just got so used to her peppy voice

[@nayeli7538]

I love her new voice it’s soft and definitely fits her character

[@aidehns]

While they’re on it, I wouldn’t mind if they redid Xinyan’s voice cause... yeah no...

[@enderjim3671]

Let's hope they change it and make barbara more enthousiastic

[@SiriuzGrey]

I love the new voice!

[@williansnobre]

They could put the old, more excited voice to play sometimes at random, or in specific situations, such as when she is under the effect of a pepper based food or picks up the chilly that Xiangling's E skill leaves behind. It would be real cool if they added this kind of trigger for voice lines depending on location and stuff.

[@leoneedstars]

The thing is, even if it was a mistake it was a very positive one. It just fit Barbara’s personality and I had a ton of fun playing her. Now all I do is try to avoid having her in my party, It’s like she gave up being an idol...

[@Moa_Smug]

It's like u're saying she shouldn't have soft and cute talking voice by ur comment. As a nun her soft voice fits her, and as an idol she should lean more on the cutesy side since she has a soft voice.

[@leoneedstars]

I know she should have a cute and soft voice but the original one fits combat and her being an idol, it’s all cheery and would make people keep going and that would be the reason they adore her

[@Moa_Smug]

@@leoneedstars Meh a lot of people don't even use her because they have Bennett yet they complain. They could do a new recording though with Barbara's new voice but with a little bit more energetic vibe while still keeping the cutesy in her voice.

[@leoneedstars]

That’s also true...and I need Bennet in the team so Barbara can deal her 8k hits xD

[@cherrylara8197]

@@leoneedstars her original one is better on a character like xinyan barbara is a sweet person not energetic

[@lucas_lol5905]

Some mistakes are the greatest and some corrections are the worst

[@Hotspot87]

I just started playing this game a few weeks ago, so to me her voice is good, I think she sounds adorable.

[@heehee474]

I haven't played Genshin for a long time I started on March first but her old voice gives me a huge serotonin boost but I must admit her new one fits much better

[@wutkai]

Back in 1.2 I always had Barbara in my party as main healer even after I got Jean and Diona, because she would fill my heart with hope to win each battle. I used her for all of my travelling and most of my battles (most of which I solo'd with her) just because she was so fun to use, but after 1.3 launched I couldn't bear to use her, she lost that spark that she had. Gone was the idol who could ensure victory and in her place stood a stranger. I honestly couldn't care less if Mihoyo leaves her voice like this because I just won't be using her as much anymore. But for anyone who does want to have their voice heard there's a feedback option in the paimon menu that you can use. Who knows maybe we can convince the devs to change it back to the old voice.

[@tropicalstarburst7364]

original Barbara voice was unique and energetic, now she sounds a little more flat and bland. Change it back!

[@justsomehaatonpassingby4488]

She sounds depressed lol

[@Moa_Smug]

It's more accurate to her talking voice in english now actually, and if u haven't watched the video the voice files got mixed up and the intended voice for her was the new one. U don't even respect their creative view on Barbara so what makes u think u have the right to complain?

[@justsomehaatonpassingby4488]

@@Moa_Smug lol I'm just talking about the drastic change from her voice made her looks like she got depressed, especially since her previous voice is energetic, then got gentle, I saw the vid ofcourse so I knew why that happened

[@justsomehaatonpassingby4488]

I'm not saying that it's bad, just the change was so drastic that it felt like Barbara got depressed or something, she went from energetic to gentle... Hence it sounds like she just went through somethings

[@Moa_Smug]

@@justsomehaatonpassingby4488 They can't bring back the old voice coz that'll go against their creative view. So instead they could make a new recording with Barbara's new voice but with a little bit more energetic vibe and a lean more on the cutesy side because her voice is gentle...Their other option is to expand Barbara's storyline involving the discord in her family, Barbara is actually sad because of the situation in her family the cheerful and energetic Barbara is just a facade.

[@neejakan]

They should just give us the options to switch

[@mushythezombehkiller]

It'd probably work for them to make it so people could choose which lines they wish to use, since this is the only case of them having used the wrong voice lines, it wouldn't be too much to implement a function in the voice/language selection screen which allows people to use the initial wrong lines for general* in game purposes, while moving forward with the intended sound in official media and the more limited game events. *I say general as in using her for just combat and other things, not regarding her npc appearances in events and quests.

[@Kkyo_Raps]

i guess i started playing with her new voice and I honestly like it

[@IfUSeekAndy]

When you play the game in Japanese dub and this doesn’t matter to you.

[@rickrodiii6030]

If only they could just keep both so noone can complain anymore. Because there seems to be others who *like* the new voice. Either way, I'm joining the petition to bring back old Barbara.

[@Moa_Smug]

They can't keep 2 voices, what's the point of having a Voice Director if people don't even respect his decision?

[@kingkilla777]

@@Moa_Smug they can just have her old vkice be her battle voicelines or they could just guve us the choice in which voice we want they could add some kind of setting so ee could change her voice

[@Moa_Smug]

@@kingkilla777 Me i don't really care about the voice change, it doesn't affect the game anyway. Bugs do

[@blippp4082]

I remember being really confused the first time I heard Barbara after 1.3. I personally don't really mind the voice change. Seeing your explanation on why Barbara's voice changed helped to understand the situation better

[@casslago7614]

i think it would be cool if we eventually got alt versions for character voicelines, mostly because i'm a fan of both voices. maybe alt voices can be bought? with like stardust or something. it could go into the character wardrobe thing like gliders and eventually skins.

[@ozzyozaroth8303]

At first I hated it, but after watching this video, you're right they both suit her, it was just a case of poor timing.

[@gendai_ronindgr]

Then why don't have both, the cheerful voice for her skills and bursts and the calm voice to the dialogues.

[@anamggss]

This is actually a great idea. Whenever she uses an ability she says things like "Let's Dance!" or "Let the show begin!", it's like she's putting on a performance, not to mention the visual effects on her abilities. So it makes sense if she put on her "idol/performer voice" during then. Now if you observe her voice lines outside of fighting, she says things like "I wonder when I'll be as tall as my big sister?" and "All this standing around's making me sleepy" among other things like talking about her favorite food etc. It's more conversational compared to her ability VLs so it does make sense that she speaks in her true, natural voice during then. The only exception to this imo is her running VL, the old "go-Barbra-go!" is way more fitting since there's more energy put to it, like she's cheering herself on to keep on running, than the current "go Barbara go...!" which sounds like she's reading it from a book or letter.

[@wibs0n68]

This will break the image of barbruh. it becomes inconsistent

[@gendai_ronindgr]

@@wibs0n68 still better than always depressed.

[@wibs0n68]

@@gendai_ronindgr that way will ruin her entirely

[@SilverShinobi23]

I think an option that would work for both sides would be to give an option in the audio settings for the player to individually set them, to either Pre v1.3 or Post v1.3, so that way they can keep both sets of lines without having to make any revisions to anything that might upset either side. I don't know how much work that would entail on their end, but I think that would be a good middle ground

[@seriyothematch]

Personally I enjoy the new voice because that’s what I’m accustomed to since I only started playing a week ago. It’s like the discussion of who it the better Goku voice actor answers will vary depending on where the people grew up and their general knowledge on va’s portraying emotions.

[@hutao1046]

Me: bennet welcome to the team

[@Blastertronus]

Barbara is going down the path that Syd Barrett went But in all seriousness and my opinion, her new voice make her sound more like a shrinking violet than depressed.

[@gm_altus]

I started playing in 2.2 and, I'm used to the new Barbara I joined after it was changed, but hearing the old Barbara makes me want it lol

[@criminalcuteness3952]

I've heard about this but I've never noticed any change at all. That is until I found this video and discovered it was the English voice that changed.