The video game industry is booming, and so is the demand for voice actors. If you think you have what it takes to be a voice actor in the video game industry, read on to learn more about how you can make that happen. A voice actor provides a video game character’s spoken words and performance. They record their parts in a studio, then send their audio files to the developers. Alternatively, online games may provide an audio file of their function and interpretation of that character through text chat. Either way, they work closely with the developer to meet their needs and vision for each game’s characters. In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to become a voice actor in this growing and exciting industry!
What You Need to Become a Voice Actor in the Video Game Industry?
You’ll need several essential skills and attributes to become a voice actor.
- First, you’ll need to be able to act. This means you’ll need to be able to assume different personalities and characters and act out a wide range of emotions and scenarios.
- You’ll also need to be able to create a believable voice for any given character.
- Next, you’ll want to make sure your sound quality is top-notch. You’ll need to sound clean, clear, and professional. Avoid background noise as much as possible, and make sure your audio has no distortion or clipping. You’ll also want to ensure a quiet and professional recording space. If you’re recording at home, be mindful of the noises around you, such as the sound of a barking dog or the lawnmower outside.
- Beyond the physical aspects of your recording space, you’ll also want to ensure you have a quiet mental room. You’ll want to be relaxed to record your best work.
Record and Edit Voice-Over Samples
If you’re brand new to voice acting or are not yet sure it’s the right path for you, you can begin by recording and editing voice-over samples. This can be an excellent way to test the waters without making a significant investment. Plus, you’ll be able to show potential clients that you have experience in the field and know what you’re doing. That can help set you apart from other potential talent and increase your chances of being hired as a voice actor. When recording your voice-over samples, you’ll want to be sure to follow all of the same guidelines listed above. You’ll also want to ensure that you record a wide range of emotions and scenarios in your samples, as game developers will want to see the full range of your abilities.
Networking
Networking is critical in any industry, and voice acting is no exception. You’ll want to be sure to connect with other voice actors, studio owners, and video game developers and publishers. You can do this through social media, video game and voice acting forums, and even in-person events like conferences. The more people you know, the more likely you find work as a voice actor. You may also want to consider joining a union. In the US, SAG-AFTRA is the union for actors, stuntpeople, and other members of the entertainment industry. Joining a union will secure your rights as an actor and make finding work more manageable.
Training and Classes
Becoming a voice actor doesn’t necessarily require formal education, but it’s best if you can get some training before you jump into the field. At a minimum, you’ll want to ensure that you know how to read aloud effectively and adequately. Beyond that, you can consider taking classes in public speaking and acting. These subjects and skills will help you become a better voice actor and prepare you for any potential challenges you may face in the field. You can also consider taking classes specific to the area of voice acting. These classes will help you learn how to use your voice to its fullest potential. These days, there are even online classes that can help you prepare to become a voice actor. You can also find online communities and forums where you can connect with others in the field and learn from them.
Finding Paid Jobs as a Voice Actor
Once you’ve gotten some experience and built up a portfolio of voice-over samples, it’s time to start looking for paid work as a voice actor. Some sites host job listings for voice actors, and you can find them by doing a simple Google search. You can also reach out directly to video game developers and publishers. They often hire voice actors now, so you may want to reach out to the ones you’d love to work with. Once you find potential clients, you’ll want to ensure you meet their needs. But you’ll also want to make sure you stand out among the other voice actors trying to find work.
How to Become an Audio Engineer
If you want to go all-in on the voice acting, you can also consider becoming an audio engineer. An audio engineer is responsible for recording and mixing voice-over samples. You can find work as an audio engineer in a studio, at home, or remotely. You can gain experience and build your portfolio by recording samples for other voice actors. You can also find online communities where you can volunteer your time and expertise to help others develop their skills. When you’re ready to leap, you’ll want to ensure you have the necessary equipment. You can start by purchasing a quality microphone. Beyond that, you’ll want to make sure you have a soundproofed studio space and the essential editing software.
Conclusion
Voice acting is a unique and challenging career choice, but it also offers a lot of potentials. There will always be a need for voice actors in the video game industry and beyond, so there will always be work available for those who want to pursue this path. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a voice actor, now is the time to get started. The video game industry is booming, meaning a ton of work is available for those who want to find a place within it. By following the advice in this post, you can make that happen.