Jennifer English, the actor who had roles in a couple of the world's biggest video games, has stepped down as the lead in the upcoming game, Tides of Annihilation.
English, who played Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3 and Maelle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, says that she will no longer play the role of Gwendolyn in Tides of Annihilation so that she may "properly look after [her] mental and physical health." Tides of Annihilation was first revealed back in 2025 by developer Eclipse Glow Games. According to the game's Steam page, this title is a single-player, fantasy action-adventure, which currently has no set release date.
English decided to step back from the role of Gwendolyn back in June, though the decision wasn't made public until the weekend of July 18th. As part of the official announcement, made on Twitter (full text below), Eclipse Glow Games said that they were "saddened by her decision" but "completely understood and respected Jennifer in prioritizing her well-being." English did help to bring on other talented voice actors that could portray Gwendolyn instead.
We have some sad news to share, that Jennifer English will be stepping away from her role as the English voice of Gwendolyn, the main protagonist in Tides of Annihilation due to personal health reasons. She will continue to support the project in an advisory role.
Earlier in June, Jennifer informed us that she would no longer be able to continue in the role. While we were, of course, saddened by her decision, we completely understood and respected Jennfier in prioritizing her well-being. We are also deeply grateful for the care and responsibility she showed throughout this process.
During this transition, Jennifer remained incredibly supportive and, together with other members of our voice cast, helped us identify and connect with talented performers who could carry Gwendolyn forward while staying true to the character.
With Jennifer's support and recommendation, together with recommendations from other members of our voice cast, we've been fortunate to find an incredibly talented performer to carry Gwendolyn forward. Her recent work in video games left a strong impression on both Jennifer and our team—not only for the performance itself, but for the remarkable care and dedication she showed in understanding the character—and we're excited for players to experience her interpretation of Gwendolyn.
She's currently recording Gwendolyn's English performance for our upcoming gamescom 2026 hands-on demo. Players will hear her performance for the first time in the demo this August, as well as in select official updates shared across our channels during the same period.
We'd also like to thank Jennifer for everything she brought to the character and to the project. Her performance brought depth, strength, vulnerability, and heart to the role. We have truly enjoyed this journey together, and wish Jennifer all the very best, and most importantly, good health and happiness in whatever comes next.
To our players, thank you for your continued support and understanding. We’re truly grateful to have you on this journey with us.
Earlier in June, Jennifer informed us that she would no longer be able to continue in the role. While we were, of course, saddened by her decision, we completely understood and respected Jennfier in prioritizing her well-being. We are also deeply grateful for the care and responsibility she showed throughout this process.
During this transition, Jennifer remained incredibly supportive and, together with other members of our voice cast, helped us identify and connect with talented performers who could carry Gwendolyn forward while staying true to the character.
With Jennifer's support and recommendation, together with recommendations from other members of our voice cast, we've been fortunate to find an incredibly talented performer to carry Gwendolyn forward. Her recent work in video games left a strong impression on both Jennifer and our team—not only for the performance itself, but for the remarkable care and dedication she showed in understanding the character—and we're excited for players to experience her interpretation of Gwendolyn.
She's currently recording Gwendolyn's English performance for our upcoming gamescom 2026 hands-on demo. Players will hear her performance for the first time in the demo this August, as well as in select official updates shared across our channels during the same period.
We'd also like to thank Jennifer for everything she brought to the character and to the project. Her performance brought depth, strength, vulnerability, and heart to the role. We have truly enjoyed this journey together, and wish Jennifer all the very best, and most importantly, good health and happiness in whatever comes next.
To our players, thank you for your continued support and understanding. We’re truly grateful to have you on this journey with us.
English will remain involved with Tides of Annihilation as an advisor and will work to support the team as needed.
I'm really grateful to have been part of Tides of Annihilation since the game's inception and to have worked with such a lovely team.
Recently, I've found myself needing to slow down and reassess the commitments I've taken on. After careful thought, I've realised I need to take time to rest and properly look after my mental and physical health. With that in mind, I've made the difficult - yet personally necessary - decision to step away from the project as it moves into its next phase.
During this transition, I was pleased to help introduce the Tides of Annihilation team to a very talented actor who I believe is a wonderful fit for Gwen. Having seen her passion, talent, and care for the craft, I'm excited for players to hear her interpretation of the role and can't wait for players to experience what she brings to Gwen.
(Although I'll be stepping away from the role, I'm happy to remain involved with Tides of Annihilation as an advisor, and I look forward to supporting the team and Gwen's journey in a different capacity.)
I wish the entire team nothing but success, and I'll be cheering them on as they continue bringing the game to life.
Thank you for your understanding and support
Recently, I've found myself needing to slow down and reassess the commitments I've taken on. After careful thought, I've realised I need to take time to rest and properly look after my mental and physical health. With that in mind, I've made the difficult - yet personally necessary - decision to step away from the project as it moves into its next phase.
During this transition, I was pleased to help introduce the Tides of Annihilation team to a very talented actor who I believe is a wonderful fit for Gwen. Having seen her passion, talent, and care for the craft, I'm excited for players to hear her interpretation of the role and can't wait for players to experience what she brings to Gwen.
(Although I'll be stepping away from the role, I'm happy to remain involved with Tides of Annihilation as an advisor, and I look forward to supporting the team and Gwen's journey in a different capacity.)
I wish the entire team nothing but success, and I'll be cheering them on as they continue bringing the game to life.
Thank you for your understanding and support
