IN THE VOLUME

“Acting for video games is some of the most fun you can have as an performer. In motion capture, your set and props are made of foam and 2×4’s, actors are dressed in spandex pyjamas with balls on them, and you have to be able to make the audience believe that you are storming a 14th Century castle, losing a comrade on the battlefield, or looking for food on a desert island. It is all about imagination and commitment.”

– Carlo Mestroni (30+ games including Watchdogs I & II, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Far Cry 3, Outlast, I am Alive, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Prince of Persia, Splinter Cell, and all the Assassin’s Creed games) 

“Depending on the type of game and what element of the game you’re working on, knowing the tone and style is key. You must understand how cinematics, scripted events, and crowdlife differ from each other. When you understand these technical components you can deliver a more poignant performance that will translate to the platform. In this medium the performance is shared between the actors and the animators. With some practice and awareness you can make their jobs easier and contribute effectively to the collaborative experience.”

– Amber Goldfarb (20+ games including Batman: Arkham Knight, For Honor, Watchdogs 2, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Far Cry: Primal, Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate, AC: Black Flag, AC: Liberation, AC: Brotherhood)

IN THE BOOTH

“The differences are many and varied in both the Talent and the Director’s approach to a character’s performance in the gaming field, as opposed to the animation arena. As game-play becomes more and more realistic, true to action, and less “cartoony” – whatever the platform – so must the voice acting and voice direction within that game-play.”

– Richard M. Dumont (30+ games including multiple Assassin’s Creed, Splinter Cell, and Prince of Persia titles, Family Feud, Far Cry 3, Avatar – Wii,  Clue, Third Echelon, Jagged Alliance, Raven Shield)

“Many experienced actors struggle in their first video game gig, expecting to be able to do what they normally do and everything will work out. But video games are a unique beast and they have their own style of performance. Motion capture requires an acting style somewhere between film and theatre, whilst video game voice work is very different from animation, needing less dynamics and greater endurance. Both require performers work at a speed they are unlikely to be familiar with and both have very specific technical requirements.”

– Simon Peacock (50+ games including Deus Ex 2 and 3, seven Assassin’s Creed games, multiple Prince of Persia titles, TMNT, Lost, Rainbow Six: Vegas 1 & 2, Far Cry 3, Outlast)