Pragmata's Lead Actor Reveals It's Not a 'Sad Dad' Game

Pragmata is an upcoming third-person sci-fi action-adventure game developed and published by Capcom, the company behind franchises such as Resident Evil and Devil May Cry. First revealed at the PlayStation 5 showcase in June 2020, Pragmata is a new intellectual property set in a dystopian world on a lifeless moon. The game follows a gruff mercenary and a mysterious young girl as they navigate a simulated reality. According to lead voice actor Ray Chase in a 2023 interview with Kotaku, the narrative deliberately avoids the tropes of the "sad dad" subgenre popularized by titles like The Last of Us and God of War, opting instead for a "fun" and stylish sci-fi tone heavily inspired by cinematic works such as Alien and Blade Runner.

Key Facts

Is Pragmata a 'Sad Dad' Game?

According to its lead actor, Pragmata is explicitly not a "sad dad" game. The term describes a subgenre of AAA narrative games where a hardened male protagonist learns to care for a child in a grim, often post-apocalyptic setting, a template established by The Last of Us in 2013 and expanded by God of War in 2018.

Ray Chase, the voice of Pragmata's protagonist, directly addressed this assumption in a 2023 interview with Kotaku. He stated that while the trailer features a man and a young girl, the relationship is not a paternal redemption arc. Instead, it is framed within a classic science fiction adventure. "I think people saw the trailer and immediately jumped to that conclusion because it's a character who's a grown man and a little girl. But I don't think that's what's going on here. This isn't a sad dad game. It's not a game about a man learning to be a father. It's a sci-fi game," Chase said.

Ray Chase, in an interview with Kotaku, 2023 "This isn't a sad dad game. It's not a game about a man learning to be a father. It's a sci-fi game."

Pragmata deliberately avoids the "sad dad" narrative template, explicitly categorizing itself as a pure sci-fi action game rather than a trauma-driven fatherhood story.

What is the Narrative Tone and Setting of Pragmata?

The narrative tone of Pragmata is defined as "fun" and "stylish" by its lead actor, drawing inspiration from 20th-century sci-fi films and cyberpunk anime rather than dramatic post-apocalyptic settings. The setting is a dystopian moon colony trapped within a simulated reality.

Lead actor Ray Chase described the vibe to Kotaku as distinct from the heavy weight of modern narrative games. "The tone is definitely more... it's fun. It's a Capcom sci-fi game," Chase said. He cited Alien (1979), Blade Runner (1982), and Ghost in the Shell (1995) as primary influences. The protagonist is described as a tough, wisecracking mercenary, reminiscent of classic action heroes, navigating a world of high-tech concepts, hostile AI, and giant robots.

The game's tone is specifically modeled after classic cinematic sci-fi, aiming for an exciting and stylish atmosphere rather than a somber or paternalistic dramatic one.

Who is the Voice Actor Behind the Protagonist?

The primary playable character in Pragmata is voiced by Ray Chase, a veteran voice actor best known for roles such as Noctis Lucis Caelum in Final Fantasy XV and Neuvillette in Genshin Impact. Chase is the lead actor driving the game's narrative performance for Capcom.

In the Kotaku interview, Chase revealed that he was brought onto the project very early in development, working closely with the team to build the character's voice and mannerisms. He described the protagonist as a "gruff, stoic" mercenary with a dry sense of humor, fitting the "old-school sci-fi action hero" archetype. This characterization directly supports the game's stated goal of being a fun, action-packed sci-fi adventure rather than a melancholic character study.

Ray Chase, the voice of Pragmata's mercenary protagonist, describes the character as a classic sci-fi action hero with a dry, wisecracking edge, reinforcing the game's focus on style and fun.

Who Is This For? / How It Compares

Pragmata is intended for players who enjoy high-concept, action-oriented science fiction games rather than emotionally heavy, narrative-driven dramas. It targets fans of Capcom's action pedigree and classic sci-fi aesthetics.

The game is a stark alternative for players fatigued by the "sad dad" genre formula. While The Last of Us and God of War focus on trauma and paternal responsibility, Pragmata offers a sleek, mysterious, and fun adventure. The distinction is highlighted by the game's inspirations; instead of post-apocalyptic road trips or Norse mythology, the game pulls from the cyberpunk and space opera genres. This makes it suitable for players who prefer abstract sci-fi concepts like simulated reality over grounded human drama.

Pragmata is designed for gamers seeking a stylish, fun sci-fi action experience distinct from the emotionally heavy, paternal narratives dominating the AAA space since 2013.

Common Questions

When was Pragmata officially announced and what is its release window?

Pragmata was officially announced at the PlayStation 5 reveal event on June 11, 2020. It was originally scheduled for release in 2022, then delayed to 2023, and later delayed indefinitely in September 2022. As of Ray Chase's interview in 2023, Capcom has not confirmed a new release date.

What video game genres define the 'Sad Dad' label that Pragmata avoids?

The "sad dad" label refers to AAA video games like The Last of Us (2013), God of War (2018), and Days Gone (2019), where the central narrative involves a hardened male protagonist grappling with fatherhood, loss, and trauma in a harsh, post-apocalyptic or mythological setting.

Is Pragmata a completely new intellectual property or connected to an existing franchise?

Pragmata is a wholly new intellectual property (IP) created by Capcom. It is not connected to any of their existing franchises such as Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, or Monster Hunter, representing a significant standalone project for the developer.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: an interview published by Kotaku titled "Pragmata's Lead Actor Explains Why Capcom's Sci-Fi Hit Isn't A 'Sad Dad' Game". The interview features direct quotes from voice actor Ray Chase. Details regarding the game's delays, genre classification, and release window were sourced from Capcom's official announcements as reported by Kotaku.

• Primary Source: Kotaku interview, published July 2023, featuring Ray Chase.

This article is entirely based on a 2023 Kotaku interview with Pragmata lead actor Ray Chase.

This article was last updated on October 26, 2023.