In this devlog for the game Twisted Tower, creator Thomas Brush explains why human voice acting is essential to standing out against the rise of “AI slop” in the gaming industry (0:00). He shares a live recording session with actors Alaina Wis and Andrew Letheron while providing five key tips for directing professional voice talent.

I am not sure if I can hire voice acting at this stage of development but I feel that it can be a stand out for your game. An if the Voice Actor has an online presence it can help boost your project.

Where to Find Voice Actors for Hire Online

Voquent

Seems like a nice platform, got all kinds of voice actors for various kinds of work, ranging from commercial advertisements and animated characters to audiobooks and video games. This diverse talent pool ensures that clients can find the perfect voice to match the tone and style of their projects. Whether you’re looking for a cheerful and energetic delivery or a calm and soothing narration, this platform offers an impressive variety of options to choose from, making it a go-to resource for creatives in need of high-quality voiceover work.

Link Voquent: https://www.voquent.com/voice-actors/?srsltid=AfmBOoq33AfnZBzgFTX00Plnim4hzc5NjidqHhsrYbnhxDshgHjiNeZZ

YouTube

YouTube is another alternative to find voice actors and their demo reels. This method involves more manual search and outreach compared to dedicated voice actor platforms. You can explore various channels that showcase voice talent, listen to their demo reels, and even watch performance videos. Keep in mind that reaching out to voice actors found on YouTube may require a more personal touch, as you’ll need to connect and inquire about their availability for projects.

Fiverr / Upwork

Heard it can be a hit or miss with these freelancer platforms, where one can unexpectedly encounter both outstanding talent and disappointing experiences. This variability often leads to different outcomes, as some clients strike gold with skilled professionals who exceed their expectations, while others may find themselves struggling with unresponsive freelancers or subpar work. The diverse range of services offered, from graphic design to writing, only adds to the unpredictability, making it essential for users to thoroughly vet potential hires to mitigate risks and enhance their chances of a successful collaboration.

5 Tips for Directing Voice Actors

1. Prioritize Acting Over Reading: Voice acting isn’t just about the voice; it’s about the performance. Actors should use their bodies and facial expressions to make the dialogue sound authentic (1:26-2:06).
2. Define the Emotion: Provide clear emotional context for every line. Use brackets in scripts to indicate feelings and be ready to describe the specific “vibe” during live sessions (2:23-3:25).
3. Let the Actors Play: Avoid over-interrupting. Allow performers to do multiple takes in a row to help them find a natural flow and sink deeper into the character’s emotions (3:26-6:04).
4. Be Honest, Not Polite: Focus on the quality of the final product rather than worrying about hurting feelings. If a line feels “dry” or “robotic,” provide direct feedback to ensure an incredible performance (6:06-8:38).
5. Be Willing to Act Yourself: Even if you aren’t a professional, emoting and demonstrating the desired inflection can give actors clarity and boost their confidence to outperform your example (8:39-9:44).

Bonus Tip: Don’t fear physical limitations. If an actor is sick or tired, it can actually enhance the performance for characters who are meant to sound miserable, anxious, or exhausted (9:45-10:35).