Exclusive Insider Scoop: Final Fantasy 16 Reveals Exciting Behind-the-Scenes Fun!

In video games, especially RPGs, some names can be difficult to pronounce. This was even more challenging in the past when reading text-based games because the way someone read it in their mind may not match the actual pronunciation. However, thanks to voice acting, pronouncing various fantasy names, even those found in highly imaginative games like Final Fantasy 16, has become much easier. While characters like Clive and Joshua Rosfield have straightforward names, there are others that can be more challenging, such as Barnabas "Tharmr," Obolus, Kihel, Gaute, Goetz, and more.

As the actor portraying Dion Lesage, Stewart Clarke had the task of pronouncing many names. As a significant character and the quintessential fantasy prince, Dion interacts with numerous other characters like the Medicine Girl and Terence. However, in a recent interview with Game Rant, Clarke revealed that the Final Fantasy 16 name that gave him the most trouble was an important one due to his role as the Prince of Sanbreque.

During our interview, we delved into Dion's true essence and his groundbreaking role as the first openly gay character in Final Fantasy. However, there is much more to the character than meets the eye. Behind the scenes, there is a fascinating tale of its development, production, casting, and acting that fans may never have the chance to discover. Nonetheless, Clarke lightened the mood by sharing one amusing detail,

"Every time 'Greagor' appeared in the script, I struggled to pronounce it correctly, and Dion says it so frequently! Luckily, the team maintained a pronunciation archive for everything related to Valisthean. Even now, I'm uncertain... is it Greegor? Graygor? Groogor?!"

The frequent mention of her name for Dion is justified by a compelling reason: Greagor is the revered deity of Sanbreque. The adherents of the Greagorian Church hold dragons in high regard, viewing them as sacred beings serving the goddess herself. This belief partly explains why they refer to Valisthea's Mothercrystals as Drake's [X].

Greagor, depicted in gold with outstretched arms, is proudly displayed on the crest of Sanbreque. Positioned above a pair of dragons, she sits within a circled emblem. Oriflamme, the capital of Sanbreque and the stronghold of the Greagorian faith, pays tribute to Greagor with numerous statues. As the divine servants of Greagor, the dragons add a sacred significance to the Eikon of Sanbreque, known as Bahamut, who is revered by the dominant figure, Dion. Naturally, Dion finds himself uttering her name frequently due to his deep devotion to his nation and its people.

"I am drawn to descriptive adjectives that immediately captivate the essence of a character, and with Dion, it was evident from the start. He epitomizes loyalty, bound to his people and fulfilling the expectations of his kingdom. In his heart, he is a truly noble individual, always striving to make the most righteous choices in any given situation. However, he constantly finds himself let down by a system and region that prioritize their own interests. It was incredibly gratifying to witness his eventual alliance with Clive, despite everything, as they share a profound desire to act in the best interests of others. Dion's selflessness is evident on both an intimate level, with his lover, and on a grand scale that spans across the empire. He willingly takes risks, pushing himself towards Bahamut, despite the toll it takes on his own well-being."

The loyalty and selflessness displayed by Sanbreque's prince make Greagor an integral figure in Dion's life, despite Clarke's initial difficulty with her name. Throughout the entirety of Final Fantasy 16, Greagor remains a constant presence, consistently shaping and defining Dion's character. You can find Final Fantasy 16 on PS5.