Ashly Burch’s wild demand for action in Slay the Spire 2
When you look at the world of video games, it’s easy to see pixelated worlds and complex mechanics. But for some, gaming is more than just entertainment—it’s a profound lens through which to view narrative, character, and even the structure of the mind. Ashly Burch, a celebrated voice actress and game developer, offers a masterclass in this philosophy, demonstrating how games can shape everything from her career to her approach to life.
Burch’s journey into PC gaming began with a simple Donkey Kong knockoff, but it was LucasArts’ Day of the Tentacle that truly captured her imagination. She recalled that this game was a watershed moment, expanding her concept of what a game could be by delivering a blend of narrative and comedy that resonated deeply with her childhood.
From there, Burch made her mark in the gaming world, first through the online sketch show Hey Ash, Whatcha Playin’, and later as a voice in major titles like Life is Strange, The Outer Worlds, and the Horizon series. She has continued to explore the intersection of media and humor, recently sending up comedy projects like Mythic Quest and her personal series I’m Happy You’re Here, which tackles mental health with easy-to-digest content.
Her deep dive into game mechanics and narrative is particularly evident in her fascination with detective games. When tackling these puzzles, Burch grapples with the urge to keep personal notes, wrestling with the question of whether tracking leads should be internal to the game system or external. She found a complex balance, noting that while she loves the puzzle-solving experience, the external notes—like those used in Blue Prince or Lorelei and the Laser Eyes—are an essential part of the process.
This love for deduction extends to games like Return of the Obra Dinn, where successfully piecing together clues felt like a triumph. For Burch, a great detective game allows the player to truly feel like a genius by forging logical connections, a feeling that is deeply rewarding.
When considering character development, she observes that games can sometimes fall into a trap where characters look distinct but lack true depth. In games like Fields of Mistria, she admired how the developers managed to give multiple characters distinct personalities, noting that even aesthetic differences were enough to make them feel real. This reminds us that great writing, whether in a game or a book, requires pulling character traits forward, not just relying on surface details.
In terms of commitment, Burch has clearly found her happy place in the highly addictive world of roguelikes. She dove deep into Slay the Spire, logging an astonishing 270 hours. She describes it as a perfect balance of luck and skill, where every smart choice consolidates into a rewarding experience, proving that the design is impeccable.
Beyond the screen, Burch’s approach to life is equally structured. She values tidiness, noting that a clean desktop helps calm her nervous system, a habit she connects to her tendency toward OCD. Furthermore, she has cultivated patience and attention span, attributing this growth partly to reading, a habit she adopted more consciously after 2020.
Ultimately, whether she is crafting a hilarious comedy series, designing complex game systems, or simply organizing her digital workspace, Ashly Burch demonstrates that the most engaging experiences—whether in games or life—come from mastering the details, embracing complexity, and allowing yourself to be fully immersed in the narrative.
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