Video games can often be remembered because of their gameplay. The storytelling experiences that players receive will often remain long in their minds, as can various aspects of the actual game. Gamers may even enjoy the mechanics or the soundtrack that may be included within the title they’re playing, as these can often be the most attractive element of a title.
One element of a game that can also create an unforgettable experience is the use of voices. Sometimes, there are moments or games that have become just as widely enjoyed because of a character’s voice as much as the story or gameplay has had an impact.
There have been several famous people who have lent their voices to games, helping to make titles become even more iconic. In fact, some of those voices have been so iconic that they’ve become unforgettable…
- Samuel L. Jackson – Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Perhaps one of the world’s biggest and most famous actors, Samuel L. Jackson has also dabbled in the video game industry when it comes to voice work. While he can often be heard shouting expletives in the films he has been cast in unless they’ve been the many animated movies that he’s been a part of, he can also be heard within one of the world’s most iconic video game franchises, too.
The actor was used to provide police officer Frank Tenpenny in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas in 2004. With his voice being among one of the most recognizable, it’s unsurprising that this celebrity cameo was one that was a huge hit with fans. It appeared to be a natural fit for the role that he had, while his voice was one everyone enjoyed hearing as a part of the character immediately.
- Charles Martinet – Super Mario
Charles Martinet may not have a name as recognizable as Samuel L. Jackson, but his voice is certainly one of the world’s most known. The American is the man who gave us the voice of Super Mario in 1991 and has lived on ever since. However, he was retired from the role in 2023 by the game’s creators, before working in the role of “Mario Ambassador” by Nintendo.
Everyone knows the catchphrases the character has, with the “It’s-a me, Mario!”, “Wahoo!” and “Mamma mia!” being famed with the red-hat moustached plumber. However, he isn’t just Mario, as he has given his voice to characters such as Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi. Perhaps he’ll start to be an English voice over artist for the company to help promote Mario even further in the future?
- Mark Hamill – Batman: Arkham Series
Another famed actor who has become one of the biggest in the world to have lent their voice to the gaming industry is Mark Hamill. Perhaps most famous for his role as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, he was also the Joker in the Batman: The Animated Series DC franchise.
Portraying the same role, his voice was used in the Batman: Arkham series (Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight) of games to create an incredible experience for gamers. He would bring his manic energy, sinister laugh, and unpredictable menace to the Clown Prince of Crime, making the character truly unforgettable. For some, he was the master villain of all games when it comes to his voice.
- David Hayter – Metal Gear
Although he was replaced at one point by Kiefer Sutherland in Metal Gear Solid V, David Hayter is the original voice of the protagonist. He is the man that many associate with the character and feel is the reason why Snake has the voice that he has.
The Canadian-American actor has a voice that could be described as being gruff and gravelly. Some might even say it was husky. Nonetheless, it’s incredibly deep, which just further added to the character, especially as Snake was portrayed as an individual who was world-weary and battle-hardened.
Voices can add so much to a game
Having noted gameplay and various features that relate to it can leave an impact in creating unforgettable moments for gamers, the voices used can be just as impactful. Voices can help to define the characters that are created and used.
While it can be powerful for developers to use celebrity voices because of their appeal and familiarity, some have a sound that just fits the role of the characters that have been developed.
