Thumbs to the ready those D-pads and analogue sticks will not move themselves! No doubt, playing video games is a lot of fun but it is often the catalyst for many aspiring artists that draws them into the wonder world of voiceover. The thrill and excitement of a good game hits us on a deep and emotional level. It is fun! Sure, the exceptional graphics of modern games or the nostalgia of games from the past are important qualities! But what about the voice acting? The glue that brings it all together in modern gaming. Accompanying an excellent soundtrack, stunning graphics and the best narratives we have voiceover. But this is not a bedtime story aimed to put one to sleep, instead, it is engaging, captivating and alluring. The thing is though, video games can be repetitive right? The long uphaul grind farming your much-required item. Or that side quest which just doesn’t seem to end – well guess what! The voiceover recording session is much of the same, and it is a good thing! Let us explore why.
Video Game Voiceover Session
A little disclaimer to start us off. Yes, a lot of video games are commonly recorded in home studios now. These sessions are either self-directed or a part of a live session which will be directed. A directed session regardless of if you are in an actual studio or in your own home studio will be the same. However, for bigger titles its likely the client will summon you to a studio of their choosing. So what happens in a video game session? It is likely you will have a document, usually a spreadsheet, with a collection of lines on it. You will probably record each of these lines anywhere between 3 to 10 times. What! That’s more repetitive than running around in circles killing monsters for 10 hours trying to farm that last bit of exp to finally level up to the max! Often the client will want different options of the line so they have something to pick from. A casual line, an amused line, an angry line, a conversational line, a thoughtful line, you name it – the client wants it.
Building The Video Game Characters
You will notice the title says ‘Characters’ plural. Yes, that’s right, though you might have auditioned for Captain Amazing Wonder Ball you are also playing Villager 3 and NPC 8. This is not uncommon and the ability to bounce between characters in an important part of the voice actor’s job. ‘Typically’ a session will be 2 hours or maybe even 4 hours. Occasionally it will be 1 hour. It totally depends on how many lines you have. But the honest truth is, depending on the character, script, game and director you may spend an entire hour on 4 to 5 lines. Though you can get through a lot more content, it is important to be prepared for repetition. These games are exceptional and phenomenal in every day. From the graphics to the storyline and the voiceover is the icing on the cake – so the commitment to perfection is key.
The Repetitive World Of Video Games – Summed Up
So there you have it folks! Video games are repetitive in-game and out and this is a good thing! The commitment to delivering the best of the best is mega important and it delivers a better experience for all concerned; the voice actor, the director and of course the player! Versatility, patience and commitment to the role are key! These are the core ingredients to bring something to life and to complete an already excellent product. So, do you love video games? Do you love voice acting? Let us see what happens when we bring both together, I can promise you there is nothing like it! From the subtle comedy of a quirky line to the dying yelps of a soldier on the battlefield the video game world is amazing but as a player, and as a voice actor.
Video Games Are Repetitive – And That’s A Good Thing! By Alan Shires more articles are available here.