League of Legends’ vast roster of champions boasts unique personalities brought to life by talented voice actors. Briar, the newest addition to the Noxian jungler pool, has captivated players with her bloodthirsty yet strangely endearing nature. But who is the voice behind the Briar’s savage snarl and enthusiastic growls? 

This article delves into the world of Julie Nathanson, the voice actress who brings Briar to life, exploring her career and the challenges (and joys) of voicing such a complex champion.

From Black Ops to Bloodlust: A Look at Julie Nathanson’s Career

Julie Nathanson is an established voice actress with a diverse portfolio encompassing video games, animation, and even live-action acting.  While details about her early career are scarce, her work in recent years has garnered recognition within the gaming community.  Some of her notable voice acting credits include:

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War:  As Wraith, a lethal operator within the Black Ops universe, Nathanson showcased her ability to portray a steely and determined character.

Bayonetta 3:  Though the specifics of her role remain under wraps, her involvement in this highly anticipated action title hints at her versatility in the gaming industry.

Batman: The Long Halloween:  Nathanson’s foray into the world of DC Comics animation further emphasizes her range,  demonstrating her ability to adapt her voice to various genres.

The Thrill of the Hunt:  Nathanson on Voicing Briar

In an interview with Riot Games following Briar’s release, Nathanson expressed her excitement about bringing the champion to life.  She described the initial challenge of capturing Briar’s unique personality:

“They didn’t want her to be a mindless killing machine, but they also didn’t want her to be overly cute or childish. They wanted her to be a woman, but not overly sexualized. It was a very interesting balance to strike.” (Source: https://leagueoflegends.fandom.com/wiki/Briar)

Nathanson highlighted the importance of conveying Briar’s hidden vulnerability beneath her bloodthirsty exterior.  She achieved this by employing different “reads” for Briar’s lines, allowing the player to perceive both her savage nature and underlying yearning for connection.

Fan Reception:  Bloodthirsty Delight or Missed Mark?

Briar’s voice acting has sparked discussions among League of Legends players.  Some fans have lauded Nathanson’s performance, praising her ability to capture Briar’s feral spirit and childlike wonder.  Positive comments highlight the nuanced portrayal, appreciating how Nathanson avoids portraying Briar as a one-dimensional monster.

However,  a  minority  of  players  have  expressed  disappointment.  Some  criticized  the  voice  as  not  fitting  Briar’s  visual  design,  finding  it  too  innocent  for  such  a  bloodthirsty  champion.  Others  compared  it  to  the  voice  of  Jinx,  another  Noxian  champion  known  for  her  chaotic  personality.

The Art of Voice Acting:  Beyond Just the Voice

It’s important to remember that voice acting is more than simply reading lines.  Nathanson’s performance  extends  beyond  the  spoken  word.  The  subtle  inflections,  growls,  and  breathy  exhales  all  contribute  to  Briar’s  personality.  Nathanson  herself  emphasized  the  importance  of  collaboration  with  the  sound  design  team  to  create  a  truly  immersive  experience  for  players.

The Future of Briar:  Nathanson’s Take

With Briar still a relatively new champion, her story within League of Legends is only beginning.  In the interview with Riot Games, Nathanson expressed her enthusiasm for voicing Briar further,  hinting  at  the  potential  for  future  champion  skins  and  lore  explorations  that  could  further  flesh  out  the  character.

A Voice for a New Generation:  Julie Nathanson’s Impact on League of Legends

Julie Nathanson’s  performance  as  Briar  marks  a  significant  addition  to  the  world  of  League  of  Legends  voice  acting.  Her  ability  to  capture  Briar’s  complex  personality  has  brought  the  champion  to  life,  sparking  discussions  and  adding  depth  to  the  Noxian  roster. As League of Legends continues to evolve, so too will the diverse cast of champions that bring the game to life. 

Julie Nathanson’s talent and dedication to her craft solidify her place as a rising star within the industry.  Whether she continues to voice Briar’s future development, lends her voice to upcoming champions, or ventures into other gaming landscapes, one thing is certain: Julie Nathanson is a voice to watch.

Beyond the Summoner’s Rift: Exploring Nathanson’s Future

While League of Legends has brought Nathanson to the forefront of the gaming community, her diverse portfolio suggests a promising future beyond the Summoner’s Rift.  With her experience in animation, live-action acting, and video games, she possesses the talent to leave her mark on various entertainment mediums.  Fans can keep an eye out for her upcoming projects,  eagerly  awaiting  the  next  characters  she  brings  to  life  with  her  unique  vocal  talents.

In conclusion, Julie Nathanson’s work as Briar’s voice actress in League of Legends showcases the important role voice acting plays in video game development.  Her ability to breathe life into a complex character like Briar highlights the artistry behind the microphone.

As League of Legends and the gaming industry continue to grow, Julie Nathanson stands poised to make a lasting impact with her talent and dedication.

FAQs

Briar, the bloodthirsty but strangely endearing jungler from Noxus, has captivated League of Legends players with her untamed ferocity and surprising personality. But who brings this champion to life? Here’s a breakdown of the most common questions surrounding Briar’s voice actor:

Who is Briar’s voice actor?

Briar’s voice is brought to life by the talented American voice actress Julie Nathanson.

Where have I heard Julie Nathanson’s voice before?

Nathanson has lent her voice to a variety of characters across video games and other media. Here are some notable examples:

Video Games: Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (character unknown), Bayonetta 3 (voiceover work)

Animation: Batman: The Long Halloween (character unknown)

What was the challenge in portraying Briar?

According to League of Legends developers, the challenge lay in capturing Briar’s unique blend of bloodlust and childlike curiosity. Julie Nathanson’s performance perfectly balances these contrasting traits, making Briar a truly memorable champion.

Are there any videos where I can hear Julie Nathanson talk about voicing Briar?

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, there aren’t any interviews or behind-the-scenes videos featuring Julie Nathanson specifically discussing her work on Briar.

Where can I learn more about Briar’s character and lore?

Here are some resources to delve deeper into Briar’s world:

League of Legends Universe Page: The official League of Legends Universe page offers detailed information about Briar’s backstory, abilities, and relationships with other champions: https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_SG/champion/briar/

Champion Insights: Briar: This developer blog post provides insights into the creative process behind Briar’s design and gameplay: 

YouTube Gameplay Videos: Search for “League of Legends Briar Gameplay” on YouTube to see how Briar functions in-game and hear her voice in action.

What are some interesting facts about Julie Nathanson?

While information about Julie Nathanson is somewhat limited, here are a few interesting tidbits:

She is married to fellow voice actor David Holcomb.

Beyond voice acting, she might also be involved in writing, though details are scarce.

Remember: Julie Nathanson’s skillful performance breathes life into Briar, making her a compelling and complex addition to the ever-growing roster of League of Legends champions.

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