In the realm of video game voice acting, the cast often features a mix of well-known personalities and up-and-coming voice talents rather than the hottest Hollywood stars. While the gaming industry has recently started to gain recognition on par with film and television, it still has a way to go in public perception. Nevertheless, there have been instances where noteworthy actors have lent their voices to video games, thanks to personal interests or industry connections.
While it may be unrealistic to expect an all-star ensemble cast comparable to a blockbuster movie, several games have successfully included notable figures in their primary lineups, contributing to central narratives or as distinctive NPCs.
8 Saints Row 4
Keith David and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
In Saints Row: The Third, the developers set a quirky tone by featuring a cameo from the late Burt Reynolds as Steelport’s mayor. Following this success, Saints Row 4 continued the trend by incorporating actors Keith David and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper as themselves. David, who had previously portrayed antagonist Julius in the series, returns to play an intriguing version of himself as the Vice President, a role that both resonates with the game’s absurd narrative and provides comedic relief.
Piper’s inclusion is just as amusing, as he finds himself reliving a fight scene from They Live in the simulated Hell of the game. When queried about his presence by a character, he quips, “I needed the money, ” marrying humor with self-awareness.
7 Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
Mark Hamill and Leonard Nimoy
The Kingdom Hearts series is no stranger to star-studded talent, showcasing iconic Disney characters voiced by actors like Jim Cummings and James Woods. However, its treasure lies in original voices, particularly in Birth by Sleep, featuring legends Mark Hamill and Leonard Nimoy.
Hamill, diverging from his archetypal roles, adopts a serious demeanor as Master Eraqus, embodying authority in the role. Meanwhile, the beloved Nimoy lends his voice to Master Xehanort, the series’ primary antagonist, infusing the character with a menacing presence. Nimoy’s legacy continued with his return in Dream Drop Distance, though his passing prevented his portrayal in Kingdom Hearts 3.
6 Until Dawn
Rami Malek and Peter Stormare
Until Dawn aims to immerse players in the horror genre with lifelike graphics and compelling performances. Notably, the game features Rami Malek as Josh Washington, caught in a slasher narrative that would later catapult him to fame for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.
Alongside Malek, veteran actor Peter Stormare appears as Dr. Alan Hill, the unsettling therapist. His diverse background allows him to encapsulate varying tones, making his performance both noteworthy and chilling.
5 Cyberpunk 2077
Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba
Cyberpunk 2077 marked a significant entry in the gaming world, particularly after Keanu Reeves was announced as Johnny Silverhand. His star power nevertheless drew attention to the game prior to its release. The game’s base cast primarily featured him, but with the Phantom Liberty expansion, Idris Elba joined as Solomon Reed, further enriching the narrative with dual star power.
Interestingly, the two actors reunite in yet another project, portraying Shadow and Knuckles in the forthcoming Sonic movie, highlighting the varied directions of their careers.
4 Death Stranding
Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, and Guillermo Del Toro
Hideo Kojima has established his own brand of game development stardom, attracting major names like Norman Reedus for Death Stranding. Reedus stars as Sam Porter Bridges, drawing intrigue to the game’s narrative and mechanics.
Additionally, Mads Mikkelsen embodies antagonistic character Cliff Unger, while filmmaker Guillermo del Toro lends his voice to Deadman, showcasing Kojima’s ability to merge Hollywood with gaming in groundbreaking ways.
3 Dishonored 2
Pedro Pascal, Sam Rockwell, and Rosario Dawson
Dishonored 2 boasts a primary cast of seasoned voice actors, but its supporting roles feature recognizable names, adding depth to the experience. Pedro Pascal, known for his performances on HBO’s The Last of Us, plays Paolo, a character that can sway between ally and adversary.
Moreover, Sam Rockwell appears as Mortimer Ramsey and Rosario Dawson as Meagan Foster, showcasing a blend of talent that complements the intricate storylines of the game.
2 Fallout 3
Liam Neeson, Malcolm McDowell, and Ron Perlman
Upon its release, Fallout 3 made headlines for featuring Liam Neeson as the protagonist’s father, James, despite his limited screen time. Renowned for his commanding voice, Neeson’s contribution reflects the game’s cinematic aspirations.
The game also includes beloved actors like Ron Perlman, who narrates the iconic “War Never Changes” monologue, and Malcolm McDowell, whose role as John Henry Eden only appears in select moments, reinforcing the selective but impactful use of star talent.
1 Date Everything!
Almost Every Noteworthy Voice Actor in the Industry
When evaluating a game’s star power, one might consider the roster of Hollywood actors involved in the voice work. However, this often overlooks the unique stardom of established voice actors, who possess a significant following of their own. In a remarkable achievement, Date Everything features a dazzling array of voice actors from the industry.
Almost every notable voice actor from the past two decades has a role in this game, achieving a lineup that includes Laura Bailey, Troy Baker, and Roger Craig Smith, alongside television personalities like Dana Snyder and Dante Basco. It’s a remarkable ensemble, highlighting the importance of voice acting in the gaming landscape.
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