The Art of Languages in Games: From The Sims to Sludge Life
Ever played a game where characters speak a language that doesn’t actually exist, but somehow it feels oddly familiar? Games like The Sims and Sludge Life have mastered this art of creating “fake” languages, or what some call gibberish or mumbling, that add a fun and immersive layer to the game’s world.
Hi, I’m Caio Isaías, a Sound Designer at Flutu. I’ve been invited to share a series of articles that reflect my personal universe and preferences—ones I’m confident my teammates at Flutu also resonate with and fully support. It’s a pleasure to write for you, and I hope you enjoy this journey through some of my favorite soundscapes and insights.
These unique vocal styles are more than just random sounds—they are carefully crafted to feel like real communication, adding charm and personality to the games we love.
The Concept Behind Fake Languages
At first glance, the gibberish used in games like The Sims (a.k.a. “Simlish”) may seem like a chaotic mix of random syllables. But the truth is, it’s deliberately designed to sound like an actual language without being one. The idea is to give players the feeling of communication without locking them into a specific language, allowing the game to be accessible to a global audience. This lets the character interactions feel playful and universal. Simlish, for example, uses tone, pitch, and pacing to convey meaning, making it sound like the Sims are truly having conversations—even if they aren’t saying actual words.
In Sludge Life, the fake language takes a more absurd and comedic route. The characters’ mumbling is intentionally exaggerated and goofy, leaning into the game’s laid-back, chaotic vibe. The humor comes through not just in what’s being “said,” but how it’s delivered.
Recording and Sound Design
Recording these “languages” is a performance in itself. Voice actors are given creative freedom to make up sounds, often improvising on the spot. The key is capturing the rhythm and melody of speech without the structure of real words. For games like The Sims, the actors follow cues on tone and emotion, shaping the vocal performance to fit the scenario.
Sound designers then blend these performances into the game, ensuring they match the animation and gameplay. In some cases, as in Banjo-Kazooie, each character has their own distinct set of noises and grunts, adding depth to their personality.
Why It Works
The brilliance of these fake languages is that they offer a sense of familiarity while also being humorous and quirky. They don’t distract from the gameplay but instead enhance it, allowing players to focus on the action or story. Whether it’s the conversational gibberish in The Sims or the comedic mumbling in Sludge Life, these voice designs create memorable and immersive gaming experiences that don’t rely on traditional dialogue.
In the end, fake languages in games are all about capturing the essence of communication—without saying a word. And it’s that magic that makes them so much fun!
About the Author
Caio Isaías is a sound designer, audio engineer, and a passionate lover of video games. Known for his unwavering love for Dota and his deep knowledge of indie games you’ve probably never heard of, Caio has contributed to a variety of projects at Flutu. At Flutu, he brings not only his expertise as a gamer but also the technical prowess of a sound scientist, essential to our productions. Want to learn more about Caio? Visit his LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caiosoundesign
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