Voiceovers in video games are so much more than just actors reading lines. They bring characters to life, evoke emotions, and play a crucial role in immersing players in the game world. But beyond the familiar voices of our favorite characters, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that many people don’t know. In this article, we’re diving into some fascinating, lesser-known facts about voiceovers in games. So, let’s pull back the curtain on the world of voice acting!
1. Voice Actors Can Play Multiple Characters in the Same Game
When you think of a video game character, you might imagine one voice attached to that one character. But what if we told you that a single voice actor often brings multiple characters to life in the same game? It’s a common practice, especially in larger games where there are tons of minor roles and NPCs (non-playable characters).
2. Voice Acting for Games Is Often Recorded in Pieces, Not as a Whole Story
Unlike movies, where actors typically record their lines in a continuous flow, voice acting for video games is often done in isolated chunks. This is because game development is a lengthy and non-linear process.
In many cases, voice actors record their lines out of sequence, and they might not even know the full context of the scene they’re working on. They rely heavily on the director’s guidance and their own understanding of the character’s emotional arc. Sometimes, actors are given minimal information to avoid spoilers or to leave some things to be discovered through gameplay.
3. Mocap Actors Are Often Voice Actors, Too
Motion capture (mocap) is a widely-used technology in video games to create lifelike character movements. But what many don’t know is that the same actors who perform the physical movements in mocap suits are often the ones doing the voice acting too.
Take Uncharted as an example. The characters of Nathan Drake and Elena Fisher are played by Nolan North and Emily Rose, respectively, who not only provided the voice acting but also performed the mocap for their characters. The two performances—physical and vocal—go hand in hand, helping create a seamless, immersive experience.
4. Some Game Voice Actors Never Meet Their Co-Stars
Unlike movies or TV shows, where actors often record together in the same room, video game voice actors frequently work alone. Since game development can be spread across multiple locations and the process is fragmented, it’s not uncommon for voice actors to record their lines without ever meeting their fellow cast members in person.
5. Voice Acting Can Be a Physically Exhausting Job
Many people think of voice acting as a relatively easy job—just read lines, right? Well, not quite. Voice acting, especially for video games, can be incredibly demanding, both mentally and physically.
In action-packed games, voice actors may have to scream, shout, grunt, and express extreme emotions, all while maintaining a consistent voice throughout multiple hours of recording. This can lead to vocal strain, which is why many voice actors take regular breaks and even follow specific vocal warm-ups to protect their voices.
6. The ‘Voice’ of Your Favorite Character May Change Over Time
Did you know that some iconic game characters have had their voices change over time? For various reasons, voice actors may not be able to return for sequels or follow-up games, leading developers to cast a new actor for the role.
Take the Halo series, for example. Master Chief, the series’ main protagonist, was voiced by Steve Downes in the first few games, but for later installments, different actors took over the role in certain regions. Another notable example is the character of Lara Croft, who has been voiced by several different actors since her debut, each bringing something new to the character’s identity.
7. Voice Actors Use Special Techniques to Make Sounds for Specific Effects
Ever wondered how certain in-game sounds—like the screams, punches, or even the sound of heavy breathing—are made? In some cases, voice actors need to create these sounds through special techniques. For instance, a punch sound might not come from hitting a body but from slapping the side of a cushion or using other creative methods to simulate a believable sound.
8. Voice Actors Can Help Shape the Character’s Personality
When it comes to character development in video games, voice actors often have more input than you might think. While the script is already written, directors sometimes give actors room to add their own flair to the character. A line might be rewritten or delivered differently based on the actor’s interpretation or suggestion, helping to shape the character’s unique personality.
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