An Introduction to Video Game Sub-Genres
Hey there, game voiceover wizards and casting gurus! If you’re aiming to be the voice that gamers hear in their dreams (or nightmares), or the genius picking that voice, knowing your video game sub-genres is like finding the cheat code to success (and yes, that pun was as intended as pineapple on pizza). The right voice can turn a good game into a legendary one, but with so many sub-genres, it’s like trying to choose a favorite ice cream flavor at an all-you-can-eat buffet. So, buckle up as we embark on a whimsical tour through the land of video game sub-genres!
A Whistle-Stop Tour of Video Game Sub-Genres
First-Person Shooters (FPS): Think “Call of Duty” or “Counter-Strike” – where the world is often as gritty as your three-day-old coffee. Here, voiceover actors need to bring their A-game with a side of gravelly tones. We’re talking about barking orders, rallying battle cries, and intense dialogues that would make a drill sergeant tear up with pride.
Fantasy: This is where you get to chat with dragons and argue with elves. In classics like “The Elder Scrolls” and “The Witcher,” voice actors juggle everything from elvish queens with more poise than a ballerina to sneaky goblin merchants. It’s like an actor’s yoga – flexibility is key. Be ready to belt out a tavern tune or murmur an ancient spell like you’re ordering a latte.
Racing: Fasten your seatbelts as we drift from FPS and fantasy to racing. Here, in the world of “Need for Speed” and “Mario Kart,” you’re the voice of high-octane excitement. Think less deep narrative, more revving engines and the kind of commentary that makes watching paint dry sound like a snooze fest.
Adventure: These games are a smorgasbord of genres. Whether treasure hunting in “Uncharted” or surviving in “The Last of Us,” a voice actor in this realm is like a Swiss Army knife – versatile and ready for anything. From soothing sidekicks to ominous foes, your voice needs to be as adaptable as a chameleon in a rainbow.
Role-Playing Games (RPG): RPGs are where you might spend more time being someone else than yourself. In games like “Mass Effect” or “Persona,” voice actors craft characters with more layers than a wedding cake. Emotional depth? Check. Consistency? Absolutely. Ability to grow with the character? Non-negotiable.
Strategy: Commanding armies in “Civilization” or navigating galaxies in “Stellaris,” this genre demands a voice that’s like the best kind of teacher – clear, engaging, and slightly majestic. It’s about guiding players with the precision of a GPS and the wisdom of an ancient sage.
Horror: Welcome to the land of “Resident Evil” and “Silent Hill,” where the atmosphere is thicker than a mystery novel. Voices here range from hushed whispers to blood-curdling screams. Your goal? Make players check under their beds before they sleep.
Indie Games: The wild card of the gaming world. Games like “Undertale” and “Hollow Knight” blend genres like a master chef mixes ingredients. In this space, voiceover work can range from deeply personal narratives to something so quirky it makes a flamingo look mundane. Flexibility and a dash of madness go a long way here.
Mastering the Game of Voiceovers
Understanding video game sub-genres isn’t just about knowing your elves from your aliens; it’s about grasping the subtle flavors and rhythms of each. For those casting, it’s about finding that voice that fits like Cinderella’s slipper. And for the actors, it’s about bringing authenticity, emotional depth, and a bit of magic to every line.
So, whether you’re channeling your inner warrior in an FPS or casting spells in a fantasy world, mastering the voiceover nuances of these sub-genres is like unlocking the ultimate power-up in your career. Game on, and may your voice be the one that echoes in the halls of gaming glory!
Video Game Sub-genres by Alan Shires more articles are available here.