How to Work in Voice Acting for Video Games

Video games are brought to life by the voices of their characters. They make the story engaging and bring the characters close to the player. 

In this article, we’ll explain how to kick off your career in voice acting for video games, what skills and equipment you’ll need to do so, where to learn, and how to land a successful casting.

Voice acting for video games: actors’ roles

In games, each voice has its own purpose. Let’s break down your potential jobs.

The narrator

This is the voice that accompanies the player throughout the entire game. The narrator:

  • Explains the rules
  • Tells the backstory
  • Comments on the player’s actions
  • Describes important events

To hold the player’s attention, the narrator should sound natural and emotional, not monotone. It’s crucial to create an atmosphere that immerses the player in the game’s world.

For example, the narrators from The Stanley Parable or Disco Elysium. In these games, the off-screen voice does more than simply read out a text—it communicates with the player, making jokes and ironic remarks.

The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe. Source

The protagonist

A game’s protagonist does most of the talking. Their repertoire includes:

  • Dialogs with other characters
  • Thinking out loud
  • Reacting to events
  • Fighting sounds
  • Sounds when taking damage
  • Emotional exclamations

The way the protagonist sounds should make it easy for players to empathize with their feelings and decisions. The actor for this role needs to convey a lot of emotions and moods to connect the player with the character.

Examples: Geralt in The Witcher or Kratos in God of War. Their voices have become iconic for millions of players.

The Witcher. Source

The antagonist

A good villain is a memorable one. An antagonist’s arsenal includes:

  • Threatening monologues
  • Taunts directed at the protagonist
  • Orders to their underlings
  • Shouts of rage
  • Final words

The antagonist’s voice should create an impression of danger and animosity. These characters often speak with a special tone or accent that leaves no doubt in the player’s mind that an enemy is standing before them.

A strong example is The Joker from Batman: Arkham. His laughter and taunts follow the player throughout the narrative.

Batman: Arkham. Source

Secondary characters

These characters bring the game’s world to life. 

Each voice should have its own unique quirk. Remember the Merchant in Resident Evil 4 with his signature line, “What are you buying?” Just a couple of phrases, and the character became a legend.

Resident Evil 4. Source

For all jobs, it’s important to:

  • Capture the character’s personality
  • Avoid breaking immersion
  • Be able to say the same phase in different ways
  • Maintain the character’s voice throughout the whole recording

💡Advice for developers: give the actors a full description of their characters. Describe their story, personality, and habits. This will help pin down the perfect voice and intonation.

How to get into voice acting for video games: starting out

The path to landing voice acting jobs starts with preparation. We’ve laid out a step-by-step plan that will help you become a pro.

1. Complete a basic acting course

Your first step is to master the basics. Sign up for an acting course or enroll at a drama studio. You’ll be schooled in managing your emotions, reading from a page, and improvisation.

Don’t skip classes on stage speech and breathing technique. These are even more crucial in voice acting than on stage. 

Aside from this, aim to master the skill of “cold reading”—video games often have long scenes with little time to prepare for them. Actors should immerse themselves in the text right away and quickly find the right intonation.

💡Advice for developers: When selecting an actor, pay attention to their training. A candidate educated in acting will get to grips with the task faster and pull it off to a higher standard.

2. Work on your speech

A voice actor’s main tool is their voice. Start with proper breathing technique. This will help you say long phrases without getting out of breath and maintain your voice at any cadence.

Train your diction. Each sound should be crisp and clear. Put aside 15-20 minutes to practice every day. Read aloud, tackle tongue twisters, and sing. Record your voice and listen to it. This will allow you to pick up on any shortcomings and fix them.

Expand your vocal range. Try speaking in different registers, from low to high. Change the tempo and volume of your speech. In video games, it’s commonplace to voice multiple characters, so flexibility is vital.

Practice different accents and timbres. This will afford you more flexibility, especially for secondary characters. A lot of studios seek actors who can change their voice and manner of speech in order to play several roles.

3. Learn how to work with a microphone

Microphones require a special approach. Find a comfortable distance from it—this is normally around 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters). Be sure to keep this consistent throughout your recording. Speak directly into the microphone, without turning your head to the side.

Learn how to control the volume of your voice. Video games are rife with action scenes that involve yelling. Avoid damaging your voice when doing so by employing proper technique. Warm up before recording combat shouts.

Another important aspect is working on noise. Be mindful of your breathing, and avoid lip-smacking and clicking your tongue. Such noises spoil recordings and make things difficult for the sound technician.

4. Put together your first portfolio

Record a demo reel. This will serve to showcase your skills to potential clients. Add different types of voice acting to your portfolio: narration, dialogues, emotional scenes, and battle scenarios.

Don’t attempt to record everything at once. Split the task into smaller jobs. First of all, rehearse the texts and decide on fitting voices and intonations. Then make a few trial recordings. Pick the best takes for the final version.

5. Start small

Begin with small projects. A lot of indie developers are on the lookout for voice actors for their games. They can be a source of experience and a way of boosting your portfolio with real projects.

Promote yourself on game development forums. Create a profile on freelance exchanges. Offer your services to studios that make mobile games. They often give newcomers a chance.

💡Advice for developers: Don’t be afraid to work with actors who are just starting out. They often bring fresh ideas to the project and are prepared to work hard on each clip. Just be sure to clearly explain the task and provide enough time to prepare.

How to ace castings for voice acting in video games

Auditions are a nerve-wracking stage in any budding voice actor’s career. Your chances of getting jobs depend on how well you prepare for them. 

1. Create a demo reel

Prioritize recording fragments of dialogs. Take a range of scenes from various video games. Show that you can speak from a variety of characters’ points of view. Include contrasting personalities, ages, and emotional states.

Be sure to record combat scenes. These call for short, energetic exclamations. Record reactions to attacks and receiving damage, as well as shouts of victory. It’s important to show your voice’s strength and your volume control skills.

Add characters’ emotional reactions. Record laughter, crying, surprise, rage, and fear. Every emotion must sound natural. Studios often ask actors to read the same script with different moods.

Finally, record a narration. This could be a description of a location, an introduction to a video game, or a piece of educational material. Speak clearly, evenly, and with proper intonation. These recordings showcase your ability to work with long texts.

2. Seek out online castings

Searching for auditions takes time and care. Check the websites of major development studios on a regular basis. Many of them post information about castings in their vacancies or news sections. Don’t skip over smaller studios, either—they’re on the lookout for talent as well.

Become an active user on industry forums. These are a reliable source of casting announcements. Talk to your fellow actors and share your experiences. Forums can keep you in the loop about different studios’ requirements and the specifics of working with them.

Follow voice acting accounts on social media. Create a professional profile. Post extracts of your work and take part in discussions. This will help you build a network of contacts in the industry.

Register on special platforms for finding work in the gaming industry. Upload your portfolio and enter your skills and experience. Some sites host online auditions.

3. Research in advance

Before casting, study the game development studio. Learn their story, values, and approach to work. Look at interviews with the management and head specialists. This will help you understand what style of work they prefer.

Play the company’s existing games. Pay attention to the quality of the voice acting as well as its delivery style and nuances. Listen closely to the actors’ intonation, tempo, and emotional flavor.

Determine the style and genre of the project in question. An RPG needs one approach to voice acting, an action title another, and a children’s game another still. Tailor your performance style to the specific genre.

Carefully study the voice requirements. Studios often search for actors with certain characteristics such as timbre, age, or accent. Don’t waste time on auditioning for a role that doesn’t fit your voice.

💡Advice for developers: Write a detailed description of your requirements for the voice-over. Provide the character’s age, gender, and personality. Add example lines and scenes for the recording. Clear terms of reference will help actors better prepare for the audition.

The equipment required for voice-over work in video games

Quality equipment is the foundation of a successful voice actor’s work. We’ve laid out what you’ll need for a home studio, as well as how to pick the right tech.

Studio-quality microphones

Condenser microphones are a good fit for games. They accurately capture the voice and convey nuances in speech. Start with mid-range models: Audio-Technica AT2020, Rode NT1, or AKG P220.

When choosing a microphone, it’s important to pay attention to the polar pattern. Cardioid microphones are the best fit for recording at home—they capture less ambient noise. Don’t use USB microphones. They’re convenient, but lacking in sound quality compared to professional models with XLR connectors.

A professional mic for voice acting in games. Source

Set up your microphone on a stand with a shock absorber. This will shield the recording from vibrations and thuds. The stand should be sturdy and allow you to adjust the height and angle of the microphone.

The audio interface

Audio interfaces convert the analog signal from your microphone to digital. Its quality determines the clarity of the sound. A simple model with one input is enough to begin with. You may want to get the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, PreSonus AudioBox, or Steinberg UR12.

Pay attention to the interface’s preamp. It should give clear gain without noise. Check whether there’s a +48B phantom power supply—this is a must when working with a condenser microphone.

An audio interface. Source

The acoustic screen

Acoustic screens enhance the quality of recordings. They absorb reflected sounds from the walls and minimize echoes. You can buy a ready-made screen or make one yourself. Professional models are expensive, but there are budget-friendly versions on the market for beginners.

An acoustic screen. Source

The screen is positioned behind the microphone. It should be big enough to cover the area around the microphone. If the room has not been optimized for acoustics, consider adding panels to the walls and ceiling.

Headphones

Headphones are essential for monitoring recordings. Opt for closed studio models—these capture all the details and don’t let sounds escape. Some good options: Sony MDR-7506, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, or Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.

Headphones for professional editing and mixing. Source

Gaming and everyday headphones won’t cut it, because they often distort sounds, enhancing base and high frequencies. Studio headphones should keep things even and natural.

Additional equipment

A pop filter will protect your microphone from popping sounds. This is always a must, even if the microphone has built-in protection. The filter is placed between the mouth and the microphone at a distance of 2-3 inches (5-7 centimeters).

To make things as comfortable as possible, it’s also worth using:

  • A stand for the script
  • A table lamp
  • An extension cable for headphones
  • Spare cables
  • A bottle of water and tissues

❗Expensive equipment does not guarantee a good voice-over. What counts is knowing how to get the most out of it. Start with a basic set-up and gradually upgrade your studio as your skills and budget grow.

💡Advice for developers: When working with an actor who records at home, check the quality of their equipment. Provide clear technical requirements for your recordings: the sampling rate, bit rate, and file format. This will save time on remixing material.

Audio recording programs

For voice recordings, the following programs work well: 

  • Audacity—a free program that works with microphones and other devices. It allows for editing and combining audio files.
  • Reaper—a program with a simple interface. It can be used for importing, splitting, and rearranging sound. It features functions for adjusting instruments and effects.
  • Adobe Audition—a professional program for recording, editing, and processing sound. This allows you to work with several audio clips simultaneously. 

The program must be able to:

  • Record sound
  • Remove noise and clicks
  • Regulate volume
  • Add simple effects
  • Save files in the necessary format

How much voice acting for video games pays

Payment varies depending on the actor’s work experience, the difficulty of the role, the project’s budget, and the amount of lines recorded.

According to data from Glassdoor in 2024, the starting annual salary for a voice actor in the United States comes to 52,000 dollars. Mid-level professionals make 68,000 dollars per year. Seniors make an annual salary of 82,000 dollars.

Source

Where to study for voice work in video games

Here are the main ways to get into the profession:

Theatrical universities and arts academies

Obtaining a drama degree gives you a foundation of theatrical skills, stage speech, and voice control. 

Examples: The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London or The Juilliard School in New York.

Specialized courses

Vocal courses provide education on speech technique, working with a microphone, and voice training.

Popular courses include Voices.com Masterclass and Kalmenson & Kalmenson in Los Angeles.

Private schools and dubbing studios

Studios such as The Voiceover Network in the UK provide the guidance of professional actors and give practical recording studio experience.

Online platforms

Online courses on Udemy, Coursera, and MasterClass provide the opportunity to study remotely at a time that suits you. Both short and full-fledged training programs are available.

Private classes

A tutor can help you develop your technical skills, fix your mistakes, and prepare a demo for your portfolio.

Self-teaching and practice

Self-study consists of recording yourself, analyzing the work of professionals, and practice. Start off with these resources:

  • YouTube channels with videos dedicated to voice over. Check out Voice Over Mastery or Brizzy Voices.
  • Podcasts and blogs about voice acting will help you get a better grasp of the profession.
  • Books on voice-over work. Such as There’s Money Where Your Mouth Is or Voice Acting For Dummies.

Famous voice actors in video games

Many renowned voice actors have broken into the gaming industry, including:

  • Malcolm McDowell. He started working on game voice-overs in 1994. Since then, he’s featured in franchises such as: God of War, Fallout, Command & Conquer, Call of Duty, Killzone, and The Elder Scrolls. His recognizable voice has helped make plenty of characters interesting and memorable.
  • Elijah Wood, known for his portrayal of Frodo in The Lord of the Rings, also voiced the franchise’s video games. He lent his voice as the titular character in the Legend of Spyro trilogy. The resulting kind and genuine character has become a fan favorite.
  • Mark Hamill earned a cult following for his role as the voice of The Joker. He first voiced this character in 1992 and continued his work in the Batman: Arkham. 
  • Liam Neeson is mostly known for his movie roles, but he has also lent his voice to characters in video games. He voiced the main character’s father in Fallout 3, which made the relationship with this character an important part of the plot. 
  • Patrick Stewart, renowned for his role as Professor X in X-Men, has also done his share of voice acting. In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, he voiced Emperor Uriel Septim. Stewart’s voice created the epic atmosphere at the beginning of the video game, anchoring itself firmly in players’ memories.
  • Nathan Fillion, the star of TV series Firefly, is known among gamers for projects including Halo 5: Guardians and Destiny. In Destiny, he voiced Cayde-6, a character who’s popular for his humor and vibrant personality. His style of communication became part of the character.

Wrapping up

Working as a voice actor in video games is a fun and creative endeavor. You can help create unforgettable characters and make virtual worlds come alive. Start by completing basic courses on acting and speech. Create a high-quality demo reel that shows off your abilities. Seek casting opportunities, even if they’re for small or indie projects.

The main thing is to get plenty of practice and constantly hone your skills. And don’t rest on your laurels: learn from professionals, attend workshops, and expand your vocal range.