Voice overs for video games

How do you set up voice overs for video games? Are professional actors your only option? Find out in this article.

Game developers perform a variety of tasks when working on a new release, from world building and rendering to motion capture and sound effects. All of which involves advanced equipment that costs thousands of dollars.

However, you don’t have access to the same resources as video game industry giants. You might be an indie developer working on a small project who thinks your budget is too low for voice over work.

Thankfully, there are some affordable voice over options out there. This article will explore them.

Why are video game voiceovers important?

Video game voice over jobs are highly desirable. Many people apply for open positions because developers and casting directors pay professional new voices large amounts to elevate their games.

Here’s how video game voice acting can be beneficial.

Improve immersion for gamers

The more engrossed people are in a video game, the more likely they are to keep playing it. High-quality dubbing is a great way to make your video games more immersive. By conveying proper emotions and interacting naturally, the characters keep the user engaged.

Make character interactions more realistic

Even though most video games focus on excellent background music and action scenes, gamers also appreciate good character voices. If they sound like real people, users rarely skip the cut scenes. Instead, they enjoy the conversations because they add a new layer to the gameplay.

Create a more professional product

Whether you’re working on a virtual reality or standard game, you want your project to be professional. Voice overs are perfect for this purpose. They show players you’ve taken the time to pick talented voice actors or use compelling AI-generated voices to optimize your title.

Your options for voicing your video game characters

There are many methods of adding voice overs to your game project.

Professional video game voice actors

The most significant benefit of hiring professional voice actors is that they’re most likely to deliver a natural performance. After all, you’re recruiting real-life people for the job, so the chances of robotic conversations are minimal.

That said, there are a few downsides of this solution, like the cost. Many can charge well over $1,000 for just a few hours of their time.

Another disadvantage of hiring voice actors is that you must be thorough during the selection process, which can take a lot of time. Cold reads and other testing methods may also require you to buy specialized equipment in your home studio or professional recording studio.

Additionally, some voice actors are only good when filming in front of a camera. They rely on facial expressions to deliver a compelling performance, which isn’t available in your case. This can further delay the casting process.

Yourself

Another option for incorporating voice overs is to record yourself. The DIY route is relatively affordable, as you don’t have to pay others for your project. You may also connect with the characters better because you wrote them.

As for the drawbacks, keep in mind that the method is only relatively affordable. There are no recruitment expenses, but you’ll need to invest in microphones, headphones, and other equipment.

There are many other problems associated with this option. For instance, you might struggle to synchronize your voice with character motions if you’re inexperienced. Finally, importing the audio to your editing software may be time-consuming if you have poorly optimized apps.

Freelancer voice actors

In addition to partnering with full-time voice actors or shooting a DIY recording session, you can also hire freelance voice actors. Many platforms allow you to contact and book freelance talent, but Fiverr is the most popular choice.

As the largest digital service marketplace, it offers a streamlined way to pay others for voice overs. Gigs are Fiverr’s term for these digital services.

There are several advantages of booking freelance voice overs using this software. Primarily, thousands of actors offer their services, resulting in competitive pricing. Plus, the website’s intuitive interface makes for seamless collaboration.

On the other hand, you might have trouble finding the right talent. You can focus on artists with five-star ratings only, but these might be too expensive. Other options may offer low-quality services and lack appropriate recording booths and other equipment.

Speechify Voiceover

It’s sometimes hard to distinguish AI-generated voices from those produced by real-life individuals. That’s exactly the case with Speeechify Voiceover. This text to speech (TTS) platform has robust voice over capabilities to take your video games to the next level.

For example, you can choose from hundreds of natural-sounding voices in different languages. Whether you’re shooting for a Spanish or Arabic audience, Speechify won’t let you down.

Another impressive feature of the best voice over software is the ease of use. You need only enter or paste your text into the field and press the Play button. From there, you can customize the audio by playing with the volume, pitch, and accents.  

Once you’re done, you can download your demo reels or podcasts for offline listening or social media sharing. And you won’t have to pay a dime because Speechify has a free trial.

Get voices for your video game with Speechify Voiceover

Speechify Voiceover is a superb solution for your video game audio. Check it out today and create a stunning project.

FAQ

How much do voice over actors make for video games?

On average, voice over actors charge $500 per hour.

Where do video game developers find voice actors?

Game developers often use freelance platforms. The largest companies regularly partner with Hollywood celebrities.

What are some of the qualities that make a good voice actor?

A good voice actress or actor is versatile, meaning they can adapt their voice to many projects. They convey the right emotion to make the recording realistic.

What is the process of voice-overs for video games?

Voice over professionals first record audio. Afterward, the developer uses editing software to improve certain sections and remove background noise.

What are some examples of popular video game franchises?

The most popular video game franchises include Grand Theft Auto, Assassin’s Creed, Call of Duty, and Battlefield.

What is a voice-over artist?

A voice over artist is a professional who lends their voice for many projects, such as commercials and video game or audiobook narration.