When I Grow Up I Want To Be In A Video Game

[jsgilbert]

For the game Obisdian, back in 19996 or 97, they used early mocap. Stuck our heads in vice like contraptions and shot video, which was used to create facial characteristics for the game.

Mo cap might become more popular for things like Kung Fu as Joe says, but I'm seeing the trend move toward other ways of automated facial movements and lip synching. It allows for them to make infinite changes to any particular scene.

In any case, mocap hasn't been much of a game changer for v.o. and shouldn't be for a good 5 - 7 years anyway.

[Yonie]

For the game Obisdian, back in 19996 or 97, they used early mocap. Stuck our heads in vice like contraptions and shot video, which was used to create facial characteristics for the game.

Mo cap might become more popular for things like Kung Fu as Joe says, but I'm seeing the trend move toward other ways of automated facial movements and lip synching. It allows for them to make infinite changes to any particular scene.

In any case, mocap hasn't been much of a game changer for v.o. and shouldn't be for a good 5 - 7 years anyway.

Depends if larger developers jump on the Uncharted bandwagon. That is the prime example of Vo-cap, voice and motion capture. They are definitely an exception, but it received a huge amount of awards (specifically Game of the Year in a lot of cases,) and video game developers have a habit of looking at what others did to great success followed by a slew of copycats.

[Mike Sommer]

But Joe, I though you were a Kung Fu Master "Hieee YA!"


MoCap is just another tool. And tools still need people to use them.

As for the voice actor, so as long as there is imagination still left in the world, we are not going anywhere.

[Lapianoman]

JS, I was just reading your "Sweet Tooth Speaks" interview on TGL... I've played LOTRO since Beta & had no idea you provided some of the voices. Did you do any of the major characters? (Gandalf, Elrond etc.)

[scottstoked]

Thanks for the article JS! Timely for me, as I've just completed my first voice acting job in a video game (a custom level, not a full production). It was definitely for the joy, thrill & bragging rights, as it was unpaid. Still, it helps me, as I will add it to my portfolio.

I think we're on that project together, Lapianoman. :)

There are LOTS of smaller indie game developers needing excellent voice actors. I'd say more than ever, right now thanks to the popularity of portable gaming (iPhone/Android apps). I've only been voice acting for about a year and a half and have already done a number of indie games and one major release. If it's that easy for a noob like me to get VA gaming projects, then I can't see the demand for real live voice actors diminishing any time soon :)

[Lapianoman]

I think we're on that project together, Lapianoman. :)

Crog...is that you?

[JoeActor]

But Joe, I though you were a Kung Fu Master "Hieee YA!"

... actually, I'm better with a whip and a battle axe:

[jsgilbert]

Brought to you by the fine people at Tranzplexian. That was too funny Joe. At some point I'll have to upload me on-camera for the show "Connections" where I play a rather nasty pirate. Not nearly as much fun as this, but the only thing I have that comes close, although the one's with me yelling at Wells Fargo agents on the phone for a training video does come close to.

[JoeActor]

At some point I'll have to upload me on-camera for the show "Connections" where I play a rather nasty pirate. Not nearly as much fun as this, but the only thing I have that comes close, although the one's with me yelling at Wells Fargo agents on the phone for a training video does come close to.

... I'd buy *that* for a dollar!

[Mike Sommer]

Joe I had no idea you dubbed Italian Kung Fu Bondage films...