Marc Graue's 50 Tips for Becoming a Successful Video Game Voice Over Actor

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​ email: [email protected]

Here are 50  things you can implement right now to get you booking more and better video game characters

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  • Study acting before focusing on voices. Great game acting is believable acting first.
  • Learn emotional range — fear, rage, sorrow, humor, confidence, panic, and vulnerability.
  • Practice creating distinct characters without damaging your voice.
  • Train with a professional voice over coach like Marc Graue or other experienced game directors.
  • Play story-driven video games and study performances closely.
  • Learn microphone technique so your performance stays clean and consistent.
  • Record yourself daily and listen critically.
  • Develop believable reactions, efforts, grunts, and combat sounds.
  • Learn how to take direction quickly during sessions.
  • Avoid “announcer voice.” Video games demand realism.
  • Build a small home studio with solid acoustics.
  • Prioritize sound treatment over expensive gear.
  • Learn basic audio editing and file delivery.
  • Practice cold reading scripts out loud every day.
  • Create characters with unique attitudes, not just accents.
  • Study improv acting to improve spontaneity.
  • Learn breath control for long battle sessions.
  • Protect your vocal health with hydration and rest.
  • Warm up before intense recording sessions.
  • Learn creature and monster vocal techniques safely.
  • Watch animated films and cinematic game cutscenes for inspiration.
  • Understand game genres: RPG, FPS, fantasy, horror, anime, sci-fi, and comedy.
  • Build emotional authenticity instead of caricatures.
  • Learn to sustain a character voice for hours.
  • Create a professional video game demo reel.
  • Keep your demo under two minutes.
  • Open your demo with your strongest performance.
  • Showcase different emotional and character types on your demo.
  • Include believable dialogue scenes, not just yelling.
  • Update your demo as your skills improve.
  • Learn motion capture performance basics.
  • Train your body acting along with your voice.
  • Learn fantasy and military terminology common in games.
  • Practice reactions to imaginary environments and enemies.
  • Network with casting directors, studios, and developers professionally.
  • Build a clean professional website with demos and contact info.
  • Stay active on social media with voice over content.
  • Attend gaming and voice over conventions when possible.
  • Learn how to self-direct during auditions.
  • Submit auditions consistently even when you feel discouraged.
  • Study top performers like Troy Baker, Jennifer Hale, Nolan North, and Laura Bailey.
  • Learn how to perform subtle cinematic dialogue.
  • Avoid overacting unless the character truly requires it.
  • Understand that booking work takes persistence and time.
  • Learn how to market yourself professionally.
  • Keep improving your acting more than your “voice tricks.”
  • Be reliable, easy to direct, and professional in every session.
  • Study storytelling structure and character motivation.
  • Treat every audition like a real performance opportunity.
  • Never stop practicing, learning, and creating new characters.