The Art of Voice Acting: The Craft and Business of Performing for Voiceover
If you’re passionate about gaming and have ever asked yourself, “how can I become a voice over actor?” or “how do you become a voice over actor?”, then video game voice acting might be your dream career.
This dynamic niche in the voice acting industry combines storytelling, emotion, and character performance, offering an exciting entry point for aspiring voice talents.
In this guide, we’ll break down what it takes to become a voice actor in video games, the skills you need, how to train, and how to break into the industry.
Why Video Game Voice Acting Is a Top Choice for Aspiring Voice Actors
Video game voice acting is more than just reading lines — it’s about bringing characters to life, often across multiple emotional and dramatic contexts. From high-energy action scenes to subtle, emotional storytelling, game dialogue is as complex as any film or television script.
Key benefits of this niche:
- High demand: The global video game industry continues to grow, with more games requiring professional voice talent.
- Creative expression: You get to embody heroes, villains, sidekicks, and even mystical creatures.
- Long-term opportunities: Games often include downloadable content (DLC), sequels, or spin-offs, offering recurring work.
How Can I Become a Voice Over Actor in Video Games?
Many aspiring talents search “how to become a voice talent” but don’t know where to begin when it comes to games. Here’s a roadmap tailored to the video game voice acting industry.
1. Develop Acting Skills First
Video game voice acting is all about performance. Before you think about microphones or demo reels, focus on learning how to act.
- Take acting classes, whether online or in-person.
- Join improv groups or drama clubs to build spontaneity and emotional range.
- Study video games — play titles known for their voice acting, like The Last of Us, God of War, or Mass Effect.
Understanding how different characters behave and react will help you deliver believable, layered performances.
2. Train Your Voice and Expand Your Range
Video game characters vary widely in personality, tone, and accent. You’ll need to develop versatility.
Work on:
- Character voices: Develop a range from deep, gravelly warriors to quirky sidekicks.
- Emotional delivery: Practice anger, grief, joy, confusion — often in quick succession.
- Combat efforts: Voice actors must perform exertions, grunts, screams, and reactions for combat scenes.
This is where a voice coach or specialized video game voice acting course can help immensely.
3. Set Up a Professional Home Studio
To audition and record from home, you’ll need a solid studio setup.
- Microphone: Choose a quality condenser mic like the Rode NT1 or Audio-Technica AT2020.
- Interface and DAW: Use reliable audio interfaces and editing software like Audacity or Adobe Audition.
- Soundproofing: Treat your space to avoid background noise and echo.
Clients and casting directors expect studio-quality audio, even for auditions.
4. Create a Character Voice Demo Reel
Your demo reel is your calling card. For video games, this should showcase a variety of character types, emotions, and tones.
Tips for a great reel:
- Keep it 60–90 seconds.
- Feature 5–7 distinct characters.
- Avoid background music or excessive effects—your voice should shine.
Once ready, upload it to voice casting platforms and include it in your outreach emails to game studios and casting directors.
5. Network and Audition Consistently
Success in video game voice acting comes from persistence and visibility.
- Sign up for platforms like Voices.com, Voice123, and Casting Call Club.
- Attend industry events, game conferences, or online panels.
- Connect with indie developers—they often need voice actors for budget-friendly projects and are great for building credits.
Remember, every audition is a learning opportunity—even if you don’t land the role.
How Do You Become a Voice Over Actor? It Starts with Passion and Practice
Whether you’re still asking, “how can I become a voice over actor?” or you’re ready to jump in, the path to becoming a video game voice talent starts with preparation and persistence.
Learn the craft, build your tools, and keep auditioning. Voice acting for video games is competitive, but for those who combine talent with tenacity, it can be a thrilling and rewarding career.
The Art of Voice Acting: The Craft and Business of Performing for Voiceover