The Dying Light franchise has captivated fans with its gripping storylines, intense parkour mechanics, and deep emotional arcs. As Techland gears up for the 2025 release of Dying Light: The Beast, one major change has sparked fan discussion: the replacement of Kyle Crane’s voice actor in some localized versions of the game.
Returning after 13 years since the events of the original Dying Light, Kyle Crane is back—but he’s not the same man. His transformation isn’t just narrative; it also comes with a new voice, at least for some non-English versions. Techland’s recent decision has generated both support and criticism within the community, prompting the studio to issue an official statement.
Who Is Kyle Crane and Why Is His Voice So Important?
Crane’s Role in the Dying Light Universe
Kyle Crane, the protagonist of the first Dying Light game, is more than just a player-controlled character—he’s the emotional backbone of the story. Introduced as a covert operative, Crane grows from a government agent into a man willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good. His voice, delivered powerfully by Roger Craig Smith in the English version, became instantly recognizable among fans.
Legacy and Fan Attachment
Voice acting plays a pivotal role in character immersion. For fans who’ve followed Crane’s journey, his voice symbolizes consistency and emotional depth. Any deviation, therefore, was bound to stir debate.
What’s Changing in Dying Light: The Beast?
Plot Evolution and Character Transformation
Set 13 years after the original game, Dying Light: The Beast continues Crane’s narrative, this time exploring the aftermath of his captivity and inhumane experiments. Techland describes him as darker, grittier, and driven by revenge—a natural evolution considering his traumatic past.
To match this evolution, Techland opted to reinterpret Crane’s character in several localized versions of the game.
Voice Actor Changes and Localization Details
Techland has confirmed that in multiple language versions—including French—Kyle Crane will be voiced by a different actor. In their official communication, the studio explained the decision was not made lightly. They emphasized that the change was a creative choice to ensure artistic consistency, especially as Crane’s persona has evolved significantly.
The French voice actor Benoît Dupac, who previously portrayed Crane, will not return in this installment. However, the developers expressed deep gratitude for his work, acknowledging that he remains a cherished part of the Dying Light legacy.
English Version Remains Unchanged
Roger Craig Smith Reprises His Role
For English-speaking players, there is some relief—Roger Craig Smith will return as the voice of Kyle Crane in the English version of Dying Light: The Beast. His continued presence offers a sense of familiarity amid the broader character transformation.
Multiple Language Localizations
Techland has gone above and beyond in terms of localization. Dying Light: The Beast will be available in 17 languages, 9 of which will receive full localization, including voice acting. This underscores the studio’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, global gaming experience.
Fan Reactions: Praise, Pushback, and Passion
Community Divided Over Change
As expected, the announcement elicited mixed responses. Some players appreciate the attention to artistic detail and character evolution. Others feel that changing Crane’s voice actor disrupts the emotional continuity of the series.
A few common sentiments include:
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“The voice is part of the character. Changing it feels like changing Kyle himself.”
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“If the story justifies it, I’m open to the new voice. But I’ll miss the original actor.”
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“I’m glad the English version still has Roger Craig Smith. That’s my Crane.”
Why Techland’s Decision Makes Sense Artistically
Balancing Consistency and Evolution
While change can be difficult for fans to accept, Techland’s decision aligns with the game’s creative direction. A darker, more vengeful Crane might require a deeper, grittier vocal tone in certain languages to capture the new mood and emotional weight of his journey.
Setting a New Benchmark in Localization
By tailoring voice performances to fit character arcs and cultural expectations in each region, Techland is pioneering a more cinematic and emotionally engaging approach to global game development.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Dying Light: The Beast
As the 2025 release approaches, fans can expect more information regarding gameplay mechanics, narrative depth, and character progression. For now, the voice actor change serves as a signal that Techland is serious about pushing the series into deeper, more mature storytelling territory.
