From one beloved RPG to the next, voice actor Holly-Marie Michael says she was cast as Catherina in Metaphor: ReFantazio due to her role as Sazza in Larian's 2023 GOTY RPG, Baldur's Gate 3.

Talking to GamesRadar+, Michael says the Cockney accent she put on to portray the working class goblin in Baldur's Gate 3 is the very reason she's now known as Catherina, the pink-haired bounty hunter in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

"Funnily enough, I got the role of Catherina by playing Sazza in Baldur's Gate 3," Michael says. "In Metaphor, you've got the English dub, you've got all of these regional accents, and they said they wanted somebody with a Cockney accent to play Catherina, and I was kind of already being a Cockney when I was doing Sazza, and so they asked me to audition for her."

Michael says that when she got the audition script for Catherina, she found the character "so badass" and was determined to play her. Little did she know at the time that her fate as Catherina was already sealed thanks to her performance as a lovable goblin in a very different RPG.

In a weird 'it's a small world' moment, in 2025 Michael reacted to a GamesRadar+ story about her Baldur's Gate 3 character and the people who would advocate for goblin romance.

"You filthy little buggers, I didn't realize there were so many of ya" Michael said using Sazza's voice. "Makes sense though. I mean, look at her... gorgeous. Let it be known that if Larian come-a-callin', I would be willing to record those scenes. It would be filthy, but I'd do it for ya," she added, struggling not to laugh at the thought.

Nabbing a speaking role in a game as universally acclaimed as Baldur's Gate 3 is bound to open some doors, and following up with another hit RPG like Metaphor: ReFantazio definitely looks like the start of a hot streak for Michael, even if her next big game hasn't been revealed.

Why not pick something from our list of the best RPGs for your next big adventure?

Richard Gray, better known to gamers of a certain age as Levelord, has died. Gray's death was reported on social media by Apogee Entertainment, who paid tribute to his "legendary work on Duke Nukem 3D" and the lasting legacy he left behind.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Richard “Levelord” Gray.From his legendary work on Duke Nukem 3D to the countless players and developers he inspired, Richard leaves behind a lasting legacy.Rest in peace, Levelord.

— @apogeeent.com (@apogeeent.com.bsky.social) 2026-10-13T20:34:18.004Z

Gray worked as a level and map designer on numerous shooters in the late 1990s and early 2000, beginning with Duke Nukem 3D in 1996. Shortly after that game launched, he left 3D Realms and co-founded Hipnotic Interactive, later renamed to Ritual Entertainment, where he worked on games including Quake: Scourge of Armagon, Sin, Star Trek: Elite Force 2, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero, 25 to Life, and others.

He also earned a very specific fame for his "You're not supposed to be here" Easter egg in Duke Nukem 3D, which was only accessible via cheating.

Gray came to the game business at a (relatively, for the industry) advanced age. In a 2016 interview with Duke64Nukem.com he said he was 35 when he made his first Doom level, calling himself "a late bloomer with games," while Apogee founder Scott Miller said Gray was "in his 40s" when the studio hired him out of the Doom mod scene to work on Duke Nukem 3D.

"I hired him to work on Duke 3D in 1994, after seeing some of his really impressive Doom levels—he was pretty active in the mod scene," Miller shared with PC Gamer. "He then moved to Dallas, and worked from our offices. He got along well with everyone and impressed everyone with his dedication and talent. Richard loved to push the engine to its limits and he came up with a lot of fun level design tricks, using portals for example, that our other level designers learned from.

"Richard was also so helpful to anyone who approached him for help getting into the industry or becoming a better designer. He had a terrific sense of humor, too. For example, in Duke 3D he made this hung jury room. A real legend."

Other developers also paid tribute to Gray on social media:

Frederik Schreiber, Slipgate Ironworkers CEO: "Richard was, without a doubt, one of the kindest people I’ve ever met in the games industry. Incredibly humble, remarkably intelligent, endlessly creative, and always a pleasure to be around. Despite everything he had accomplished and the enormous influence his work had on my generation of game developers, he never carried himself as anything other than a genuinely good human being."

Richard B. Gray - LEVELORD11/15/1957 - 10/12/2026Just heard the news that an old friend of mine has passed on. Richard Gray - aka Levelord has departed the planet. I know he's dealt with cancer on and off for awhile now, a word that I cannot stand. Word comes from his wife Olga.

— @joesiegler.blog (@joesiegler.blog.bsky.social) 2026-10-13T20:34:18.129Z

Andrew Hulshult, composer: "Richard Gray was one of those industry vets I always looked forward to hanging out with when I had the chance. He was VERY smart and I always felt like I learned something just from hanging out with him. I'm thankful Rob and Christine Atkins introduced me to him. R.I.P. friend."

Cliff Bleszinski, Gears of War creator: "RIP Richard 'Levelord' Gray. You broke the mold, fella. Guy paved the way for so many level/environment designers."

Devastating news today. Richard “Levelord” Gray was such a great guy. Like many of our friends, I wish I could have hung out with him again. He was full of life, a gentle soul, and an excellent level designer. He was called “Levelord” for a reason.

— @johnromero.bsky.social (@johnromero.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-10-13T20:34:17.887Z

I loved the first episode of DN3D but was more drawn in by E2 and E3 that had such distinctive designs. We’re gonna miss you, man. You were one of the best.

— @johnromero.bsky.social (@johnromero.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-10-13T20:34:18.264Z

Siegler said Gray had struggled with cancer "on and off for a while now." but the cause of death was not announced. He was 68.