Voice Acting for Video Games

One of the biggest draws for voice actors in gaming? It’s never the same gig twice. You’re not just doing a single type of read; you’re bouncing between characters, from down-to-earth friends to outrageous fantasy creatures. It’s like going to a character buffet. For Kate, this variety means every job is a new chance to stretch her acting skills. One day she’s a wise-cracking NPC (non-playable character), and the next, she’s some galactic villain trying to take over… something. “Game scripts really keep you on your toes,” Kate says. “There’s no chance to get bored when you’re voicing a whole cast of characters in one session!”

Now, if you’re a gamer, you know the NPCs are everywhere. These characters are the ones dishing out quests, dropping hints, or just making the world feel a bit more, well, alive. And the funny thing? NPCs might not be the stars, but they’re crucial to the player’s experience. For Kate, the trick with NPCs is to make each one feel unique but still blend naturally into the game’s vibe. “It’s easy to think, ‘Ah, just a background character,’ but that’s where you can have some fun,” Kate says. “Even if they only have a few lines, it’s about bringing a little something extra to make them feel like real characters in the story.”

In the video game world, it’s not just about having a “nice voice.” It’s about delivering a performance that feels real, even if the character is a 7-foot-tall alien from some distant galaxy. Voice actors have to nail the timing, emotion, and believability, sometimes in just a few takes. Kate knows all too well that gaming voiceover requires a lot of acting skill. “Game directors are great because they’ll push you to try something totally out of left field,” she explains. “You might get asked to sound more sarcastic, or maybe throw in a bit of hesitation. It’s like improv mixed with acting, and you’ve got to roll with it.” And the best part? The chance to experiment! You get the freedom to try different takes, go a little over-the-top (within reason), and see what sticks. Directors love it when you bring your own flair to a character, even if that means adding a quirky line delivery or a unique laugh.

These days, gamers want a lot of their ‘naturalistic’ characters to sound like real people. None of that overly polished, “radio-announcer” voice for today’s audience—they’re looking for you and your voice! That’s where a natural style comes in handy. Kate points out that the more natural and genuine a character sounds, the more players can connect with the story. “It’s all about capturing that everyday tone,” Kate says. “Even if you’re voicing a creature from a far-off planet, players are way more into it if it is believable in the peramatures of the story.” That’s why natural voice acting is a big deal in gaming. People want to feel like the character they’re hearing could be someone they’d actually meet (well, minus the tentacles and laser eyes, maybe).

The beauty of voice acting in games? It’s only going to get better. With games becoming more complex and story-driven, the need for skilled voice actors is going up. For Kate, the future is a wide-open field, packed with possibilities and new stories to tell. “Games are where some of the most creative stories are happening right now,” she says. “And as voice actors, we get to be part of that—it’s a pretty amazing feeling.” So whether it’s a quirky NPC or a major lead, Kate Marcin and voice actors like her bring life to video games, making each character unforgettable. And that’s what keeps them—and players—coming back for more.