Video game graphics have come a long way in the past few decades. The advancement, no matter how well-intentioned, had a significant impact on stories and characters and may now even put an end to the silent protagonist—at least, that is what Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii claims.

In a July 22 interview for Denfaminicogamer, translated from Japanese by Automaton, Horii spoke on RPGs, specifically his own Dragon Quest series, and the foundations they were built upon. He names the silent protagonist as a key element, which he describes as “symbolic,” one that is slowly ceasing to appear as video game graphics continue to improve. “If you make a protagonist who just stands there, they will look like an idiot,” Horii explains, stating that developing this type of character will continue to be more challenging as graphical fidelity “evolves.”