Ever laughed at Claptrap’s antics in Borderlands? Or felt a chill from Andrew Ryan’s “Would you kindly?” in BioShock? These moments stick with us not just because of the writing and gameplay — but thanks to the voice acting that brings them to life.
Video game voice actors are truly some of the unsung heroes of gaming. They give digital characters real heart (and voice boxes…), yet while you might recognize some of the voices, many of us don’t consciously think about it while playing. We’re simply that immersed.
So, let’s explore why voice acting matters—and highlight some of the best video game voice actors in history.
Why Voice Acting Matters in Games
In the early arcade era (which many newer gamers might not remember!), characters didn’t speak. They beeped and blooped or communicated through text bubbles alone. But as technology and games evolved, voice acting became essential for immersive storytelling. By the time the PS2 and Xbox arrived, fully-voiced games like Grand Theft Auto and Metal Gear Solid 2 set new standards.
Great voice acting does much more than deliver dialog:
- It builds emotional stakes — think Lee and Clementine in The Walking Dead.
- It defines character personality — the voice actors in Bully brought mischief and humor to life at Bullworth Academy.
- It sets the tone and helps build worlds — Andrew Ryan’s monologs make Rapture truly feel alive.
The Best Voice Actors in Video Games
We all have our favorites, but these performers have brought some of the most iconic gaming moments to life. Here’s why they stand out:
1. Nolan North – Nathan Drake (Uncharted series)
Notable line: “Greatness from small beginnings.”
Nolan North redefined video game acting with his witty, improv-heavy portrayal of Nathan Drake. You might also recognize him as Deadpool, Desmond Miles (Assassin’s Creed), or even Penguin in Batman: Arkham.
Trivia: The Uncharted movie featured Tom Holland as Nathan Drake. When people tell North it should’ve been him, he replies: “No, it shouldn’t. I’m 51.”
2. Troy Baker – Joel (The Last of Us), Booker DeWitt (BioShock Infinite)
Notable line (Joel): “You have no idea what loss is.”
Baker’s emotional range has earned him a reputation as one of the top voice actors in gaming, effortlessly shifting between tender father figures and brooding antiheroes.
3. Jennifer Hale – Commander Shepard (Mass Effect)
Notable line: “I’m Commander Shepard, and this is my favorite store on the Citadel.”
Hale is gaming royalty — with roles across Metroid Prime, Overwatch, Metal Gear Solid, and beyond. Her portrayal of Commander Shepard is widely celebrated as one of the finest female voice acting performances in video games.
4. Rob Wiethoff – John Marston (Red Dead Redemption)
Notable line: “I’m many things, most of them bad.”
After moving to LA, Wiethoff struggled to find acting work—until Rockstar Games gave him his big break. He went on to deliver one of gaming’s most beloved Western heroes in Red Dead Redemption.
Trivia: Wiethoff was nominated for the Best Performance by a Human Male Award for his performance as Marston at the 2010 Spike Video Game Awards.
5. Charles Martinet – Mario (Super Mario)
Notable line: “It’s-a me, Mario!”
Behind Nintendo’s beloved mascot is an equally iconic voice. Martinet’s playful and energetic delivery has defined Mario for decades, making it instantly recognizable—even to those who aren’t gamers.
6. Tara Strong – Harley Quinn (Batman: Arkham)
Notable line: “Mistah J!”
Strong’s incredible versatility spans titles from Final Fantasy to Rugrats and Powerpuff Girls. Her portrayal of Harley Quinn is widely regarded as the definitive version in the gaming world.
7. Roger Clark – Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)
Notable line: “Guess we’re just about done, my friend.”
Clark’s portrayal brings Arthur’s weary humanity vividly to life. His performance helped make Red Dead Redemption 2 one of the most emotionally powerful gaming experiences ever.
8. Mark Hamill – The Joker (Batman: Arkham)
Notable line: “Batsy!”
Hamill’s Joker is nothing short of iconic — chilling, hilarious, and utterly unforgettable. Enough said.
Trivia: When Hamill was hired to voice the Joker, the animation was already set, based on Tim Curry’s performance. So he had to match the mouth movements to a T!
9. Grey Delisle – Catwoman (Batman: Arkham), Nova (StarCraft II)
Notable line: “Careful, there’s more than one way to skin a bat.”
OK, OK, we’ve got a few Batman: Arkham voice actors on this list — but for good reason! It’s a fantastic cast, and Grey is one of the most prolific female voice actors in gaming and animation. She brings a sultry confidence to Catwoman that perfectly captures the character’s comic book essence.
10. Michael Hollick – Niko Bellic (Grand Theft Auto IV)
Notable line: “Cousin! Let’s go bowling!”
Hollick captured the heart of Niko, a Serbian immigrant chasing the American Dream. Unlike earlier Grand Theft Auto protagonists, Niko is deeply complex—traumatized by war, weary of crime, yet irresistibly drawn to it. Hollick’s performance truly brought him to life.
How Video Game Voice Acting Works
It’s not just about reading lines. Behind every standout performance lies a complex—and often demanding—process:
- Casting: Studios audition dozens, sometimes hundreds, of actors to find the perfect fit.
- Performance capture: Many modern games use motion capture to blend voice and physical acting (like The Last of Us Part II).
- Direction: Voice directors guide actors to maintain emotional consistency and impact across branching dialog.
- Recording: Actors often record scenes out of sequence, requiring them to track their character’s arc without full context.
The Future of Voice Acting in Games
While AI-generated voices are grabbing headlines, most players agree that nothing matches the nuance of a human performance. What we can expect, however, are more hybrid performances—combining voice and motion capture—and an increasing number of high-profile actors crossing into gaming, like Keanu Reeves in Cyberpunk 2077.
As games continue to evolve into cinematic storytelling, voice acting will only become more essential in delivering deeper immersion and unforgettable experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Video Game Voice Acting
Got more burning questions? Here are some answers:
1. Who Is the Highest Paid Voice Actor in Video Games?
While exact numbers are often kept under wraps, Troy Baker and Nolan North are widely regarded as two of the highest-paid in the industry, thanks to their iconic roles in The Last of Us and Uncharted. Big names like Keanu Reeves (Cyberpunk 2077) and Norman Reedus (Death Stranding) also command premium rates.
2. Who Is the Most Prolific Video Game Voice Actor?
Steve Blum holds the Guinness World Record for the most prolific voice actor in video games, with over 496 credited roles — including iconic characters like Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat and Rytlock Brimstone in Guild Wars 2.
3. Who Is Considered the Best Voice Actor in Video Games?
Fans often refer to Troy Baker, Nolan North, and Jennifer Hale as the “holy trinity” of modern video game voice acting, thanks to their many iconic roles and incredible versatility.
From Voices to Legends on Your Walls
Gaming’s most iconic characters and the voices behind them have created moments we’ll never forget. Celebrate those stories and heroes with officially licensed metal posters inspired by the games you love— no frames, no tools, no fuss. Just peel, stick, and instantly upgrade your space with collectible-worthy art made for true fans.
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