Speakeasy Voices

Gaming and Voiceover

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a successful voice actor in the gaming industry? 

First things first, let’s talk about the importance of a good voice actor in a game. Imagine playing your favourite game and hearing a dull, lifeless voice narrating your adventure. It would be like eating a stale piece of bread, plain and unsatisfying. But when you have a talented voice actor bringing your character to life, it’s like biting into a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven croissant, buttery and full of flavor.  For a stunning example just listen to Troy Baker playing Joel in The Last of Us (he was so good he even got a part in the superb tv series).

But being a voice actor for video games isn’t all fun and games 😉 It requires a certain set of skills, like being able to switch between different accents and dialects, and having a good sense of timing and rhythm. It also helps if you’re able to channel your inner superhero or villain, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love playing a game with a larger-than-life character?

And let’s not forget the infamous “death screams” that voice actors have to perform. You know the ones I’m talking about, the blood-curdling screams that your character makes when they meet their untimely demise. It takes a special kind of person to be able to scream at the top of their lungs for hours on end without losing their voice. In fact, I think I might need to take a break and do some vocal warm-ups myself before I continue writing this blog.

But it’s not just the voice actors who have to be on their game. The developers and producers also play a crucial role in making sure the voice overs are top-notch. They have to choose the right actors for the right roles, give them direction on how to perform, and make sure that the sound quality is up to par. It’s a team effort, and when everyone is working together, it can lead to some truly amazing results.

So the next time you’re playing your favorite game and you hear a voice actor who knocks it out of the park, take a moment to appreciate their hard work and dedication. And if you’re thinking of becoming a voice actor yourself, just remember to bring your A-game, because the gaming industry is full of tough competition. But who knows, with a little bit of luck and a whole lot of talent, you might just become the next big thing in video game voice overs.

Tips ‘n’ tricks:

1. Understand the character: Before you start recording, make sure you understand the character you’re voicing. What’s their backstory? What are their motivations? What’s their personality like? Knowing these details can help you bring the character to life and make your performance more authentic.
2. Practice your timing: Video games often have a lot of dialogue, and the timing of your delivery is crucial. You’ll need to be able to deliver lines quickly or slowly depending on the situation, and you’ll also need to know when to pause or emphasise certain words. Practice reading the script out loud and experimenting with different timing options.
3. Experiment with different voices: Don’t be afraid to try out different voices and accents for your characters. This can help make your performance more memorable and can also help you stand out from other voice actors. Just make sure the voice you choose fits the character and doesn’t sound too forced or fake.
4. Keep your energy level up: Recording for a video game can be a long process, so it’s important to keep your energy level up throughout. Take breaks when you need to and make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. You’ll also want to warm up your voice before you start recording to prevent strain or injury.
5. Take direction well: The producer or director may give you specific instructions on how to perform certain lines or may ask you to try a different approach. Be open to feedback and take direction well, as this can help you deliver a better performance…they just want the best from you.
6. Stay organised: Keep track of your scripts, notes, and recording schedule to avoid confusion or delays. Make sure you have a quiet recording space and that you’re using high-quality recording equipment.
7. Be patient: Video game voice overs can be a long and tedious process, so be patient and don’t get discouraged if you need to do multiple takes or record for long periods of time. Remember that the end result will be worth it!

Oh yes and warm up your voice and body and stay hydrated – did we already say that?  It’s worth saying again…warm up your voice / body and stay hydrated