Voice acting has been an underrated profession for quite some time. While there has been some improvement in recognition, challenges remain, particularly with the ongoing disputes within the industry concerning AI and voiceover work.

Jennifer Hale, known for her role as Commander Shepard in Mass Effect, recently shared her experiences about the rigorous demands of her profession during a conversation with Entertainment Weekly. Hale reflects on her role:

“The work we do in games—this does not cover performance capture but in voice capture—is 85-90% cold reading. The entirety of Mass Effect, I saw no line before the moment I recorded it. It was all cold reading on the spot. A couple takes, maybe a few, and it goes out to market. That’s it.”

Hale’s experience highlights the intense adaptability required in voice acting, especially given her position as the primary voice throughout the Mass Effect series. She recalls being treated as if she were just another prop in the room, illustrating the lack of respect often shown to voice actors. This disparity emphasizes the ongoing conversation around recognition and support for voice talent in the gaming industry.

The conversation around voice acting continues to evolve, acknowledging the contributions of artists like Hale who are pivotal in bringing characters to life but face a multitude of challenges outside the booth.