New Horizon on 8/4/2013 at 18:26
Quote Posted by fett
I don't think there's ever a bad time to say thanks, and it's waaaaay overdue for me. I wanted to share this here as well because SR's voice has meant so much to me:
Mr. Russell,
I can't adequately express how much I've appreciated your characterization of Garrett throughout the Thief series. I discovered the games at a very low point in my life (I had just been diagnosed with a fatal heart disease). I escaped into the Thief universe for some time and though it may sound silly, feeling like I could "become" Garrett for even a short period of time helped me to cope with my real life struggles. That would have never happened if you had not done such a great job at making me believe I was truly a professional Thief - able to rise above the circumstances and master my own destiny. I return to the games today for a bit of that escapism and the voice of Garrett warms my heart like an old friend. I'm not a fanatical "gamer" per se, but Thief and Garrett have become an important part of my own story, and I've been excited to introduce the master thief to my children and friends throughout the years. It wouldn't have meant as much without your characterization, and for all this I will be eternally grateful. Your work has helped me in such a tangible way, and I just wanted to let you know and say thank you. I hope events change course and you will be able to continue voicing this character who looms so large in the imagination and wonder of so many fans.
Dave Johnson
Taffer for LifeI can relate to your experience Dave. I came into Thief at an extremely low point in life too. I had been unemployed for a couple of years, living off my parents hand outs and subsidized by my then girlfriend. I had been wanting to get into some sound recording at an affordable price and Mary being the saint she is loaned me the money to buy the Soundblaster Live Platinum package. Well, the games sat on my shelf for months as I was too depressed to even install them. At this point I was up all night and sleeping all day, just a mess. One night, I fired up Thief and for the first time in years I was transported out of my personal hell into a world where I could lose myself for the night. I would spend hours exploring levels each night. In a strange way it pulled me out of my descent and Mr. Russell's characterization of Garrett sure played a huge role in that.
The series means a lot to me and I think it touched a lot of fans in the same way...a way I don't think the developers realize with their casual elimination and generalizing of Thief's style and flavor. They get it on a basic level, that the game is about stealth and stealing but they miss the far more nuanced details. When I look at T4, I see a game that is developed by a truly talented group but they're locked into the visual flog fest of modern gaming. If they were allowed to and perhaps even if they had been teamed up with some of the guiding members of Thief, they could have made a truly astounding Thief game.
pavlovscat on 8/4/2013 at 19:13
I wonder how many of us have similar stories to fett & New Horizon. For me it was being diagnosed with MS days after my 30th b-day. I spent many nights exploring the City until the wee morning hours because I could forget about the MonSter inside of me destroying my brain. Besides, it beat waking up in tears again, because I'd had that dream where there is a cure for MS, but I can't have it for one of a myriad of dumb reasons. Just hearing Stephen Russell voicing Garrett is a calming influence for me. Having the ability to "become" Garrett due to the degree of immersion possible in the Thief games helped me retain my sanity as my health got progressively worse. It provided a place where I could walk, run, climb, steal & pretend I was OK. Then I took a turn for the worse & could not play Thief at all due to hand control issues. Let me say that I missed Garrett the way I'd miss a friend who died even though it was really a part of ME that was gone. I am still struggling to retrain myself, but hearing the voice of Garrett makes me feel like I can do it. Maybe this seems silly to some, but, when your mind is fractured, you grab for anything that can help. I guess Garrett has been my mental super glue. :erg:
thiefessa on 8/4/2013 at 19:34
*Hugs* It doesn't sound silly.
People find strength and inspiration in different things and a voice and a game are totally up there, just as any inspirational song, place and even religion.
:)
Azaran on 8/4/2013 at 22:11
Quote Posted by thiefessa
So, to repeat and clarify my post. I personally hope as many people will sign the "thank you" card for Russell too. It would be a shame not to imo.
Already done :)
thiefessa on 9/4/2013 at 00:22
Fab. :thumb:
Dia on 9/4/2013 at 04:34
Quote Posted by Renzatic
Thi5f.
Cuz the 5 looks sorta like an E if you squint...
Or just go absolutely crosseyed.
;)
Thirith on 9/4/2013 at 07:46
Quote Posted by Starker
Could be ThieVes, maybe?
It would be the
Aliens to
Thief's
Alien. Hundreds of Garretts, each voiced by a different actor. But they'll all be mocapped by Andy Serkis.
Dia on 9/4/2013 at 12:50
:laff::laff:
CloudOJD on 9/4/2013 at 13:45
Well, time for me to come 'out of the shadows', and say it here.
I am the creator of the petition that is being discussed here (see the convenient register date of mine, too), and have been sneaking about this thread for a bit. I was mostly trying to blend in at first, but I figured it's better if I just come out in the open.
So, I hope you don't mind me popping in. If anyone has anything to ask, or recommend or something, go right ahead.
As for the thing about thank you cards: Skaadi, the petition itself is my thank you card to Russell. So if you could somehow make sure he sees it, that'd be great. Might be a bit tough due to Eidos' persistence in removing any references to it, but eh. Freedom of speech, right?
thiefessa on 9/4/2013 at 14:00
Quote Posted by CloudOJD
Well, time for me to come 'out of the shadows', and say it here. I am the creator of the petition.
As for the thing about thank you cards: Skaadi, the petition itself
is my thank you card to Russell. So if you could somehow make sure he sees it, that'd be great. Might be a bit tough due to Eidos' persistence in removing any references to it, but eh. Freedom of speech, right?
Welcome. :)
If you read the messages, there are references. Eidos kindly ask that this not be the focus of the messages for the thank you card; and that is a fair and reasonable request. :)
