The origin of Arjun in Saros: a look at the development

Saros, developed by Housemarque, has drawn attention for its distinctive story and character development. The protagonist, Arjun Devraj, is voiced by actor Rahul Kohli, who shared an inspiring and unusual story about how he found Arjun’s voice.

The inspiration behind Arjun’s voice

Rahul Kohli revealed that his voice for the lead role in Saros came from a frustrating traffic situation. While stuck in a jam on the way to a recording session, his irritation sparked an unexpected burst of creativity. Kohli had to record a teaser trailer for Housemarque, and the studio wouldn’t be able to reach him again for six months. That time pressure helped shape Arjun’s intense voice.

“I was so frustrated and angry that I was sitting in traffic early in the morning,” Kohli said. “The anger that came out of that was stronger than anything we’d done before.” That led to finding the right tone for Arjun, a character who faces his own demons in the game.

The development of Saros

Saros combines intense action with a deep narrative, and its development process was a mix of creativity and collaboration. The director of the documentary Finding Carcosa, Paul J. Vogel, noted how even a simple setback like being stuck in traffic can lead to innovative creative expression. It shows that the path to a character can be unpredictable and unusual.

During Saros’ development, the Housemarque team paid close attention to Arjun’s story and emotions. Arjun’s character was designed to draw players into his journey, full of conflict and emotional struggle.

Reactions to Saros

At launch, Saros received positive reviews from critics. The game was described as a top-tier action title, though some noted that its narrative was inconsistent compared with the gameplay. The reception was not as strong as Housemarque’s earlier title, Returnal, which released in 2021.

Critics praised Saros’ action and visual style, but pointed to challenges in the story. The tension between the narrative and gameplay keeps players engaged, but there are clear moments where they are not fully in sync. Despite those comments, Saros has attracted the attention of a broad audience and of discerning players within the games industry.

The development of Saros shows how everyday experiences, such as traffic frustration, can contribute to creativity in the games industry. With Arjun Devraj at the forefront, Housemarque continues to innovate and tell stories that resonate with players.