One of the main reasons video games can feel like movies and television shows is because of the introduction of motion capture technology. It has been used in video games for decades, but as technology progresses even further, the use of it in games gets better and more immersive for the player. From Until Dawn through to The Last of Us, gamers have been treated to the technology in mainstream games.
The motion capture performances of actors like Andy Serkis in films like The Lord of the Rings and Planet of the Apes have been lauded by fans and critics alike, but it's in the video game world where some of the great, unappreciated performances have landed. The technology is only as good as the actor and there have been some great ones who have lent their appearance and movements to games.
David Arquette In The Quarry
David Arquette has been a consistent performer in films for decades now, best known for his portrayal of Dewey Riley in the Scream franchise. In 2022, he portrayed Chris Hackett in The Quarry and received rave reviews for his motion capture performance.
His character is the owner of Hackett's Quarry summer camp, and his role consists of being a father figure to the young counselors. It's a typically likable performance from Arquette, and he's very much at home in the horror genre. Here's hoping more roles in video games come up for him.
Rami Malek In Until Dawn
Before winning an Oscar for portraying Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek appeared in Until Dawn, alongside a crop of up-and-coming future Hollywood stars.
He plays Joshua in the popular interactive horror game, and shows signs of why he has gone on to become one of the biggest actors on the planet. His character is struggling with mental health problems and Malek plays him as a complex but likable guy. It's up there with his best performances.
Aaron Staton In LA Noire
Rockstar Games are largely known for making Grand Theft Auto 5, but in 2011, they produced LA Noire which transported fans to Los Angeles in 1947. The game follows Detective Cole Phelps as he rises the ranks of the LAPD and works to uncover a major conspiracy involving a drug distribution ring. The actor who portrayed him was Aaron Staton who is known for playing Ken Cosgrove in Mad Men.
He perfectly inhabits the detective, and gives a performance that is engaging and likable. Rumors have gone on for years that this game could get the sequel treatment, but there were various issues during the production of the game to suggest this may not happen. However, it would be a thrill to see Cole Phelps again, this time as he navigates his career in the 1950s and 60s in a corruption filled LAPD.
Peter Stormare In Until Dawn
Dr Alan Hill in Until Dawn was expertly portrayed by renowned character actor, Peter Stormare who is known for his roles in the classic, Fargo and popular tv series, Prison Break.
The actor lent his voice and motion character to the popular horror video game and gave a performance up there with his best on the big screen. He is heavily involved in the prologue which endears him to the player as they embark on the terrifying journey.
Ashley Johnson In The Last of Us Part 1+2
The Last of Us is one of the most popular games of the last decade, but it wouldn't be the same without its fantastic cast. Ashley Johnson plays Ellie, an orphan in the Boston quarantine zone, who befriends smuggler, Joel Miller. They strike up a good bond as they travel across America.
The Last of Us was adapted into a very successful television show, and due to Johnson's superb performance, she landed the role of Ellie's mum, Anna in the tv series. It would've been impossible for her to reprise her role as teenager, Ellie as the actress was in her late 30s when production started. It was a nod of approval to her performance in the video game to cast her as Ellie's mum, and she delivers with aplomb.
Steven Ogg In Grand Theft Auto 5
When fans hear the name Trevor Philips, witty one-liners and outrageous violence spring to mind. He was a popular character in the hugely successful Grand Theft Auto 5, and brilliantly brought to life by character actor, Steven Ogg.
The crime drama genre doesn't always get the credit it deserves for its acting performances, but when Trevor turns up in Grand Theft Auto 5, he steals the show, and it's all down to the genius of the actor who played him.
Troy Baker In The Last of Us Part 1+2
Before Pedro Pascal portrayed Joel Miller in The Last of Us tv series, it was little known actor, Troy Baker who played him in the games. Baker puts in an amazing motion capture performance as the black market smuggler. The emotion he brings to the role when his character loses his daughter towards the beginning of the game is heart-wrenching.
He was unlucky not to land the role of Joel in the tv series, but there can't be any argument with Pedro Pascal's casting, as he made the role his own in one of the best games to be turned into a tv show. Troy Baker did turn up in the show to play James in the 8th episode, and put in a very solid performance.
Ned Luke In Grand Theft Auto 5
Ned Luke is a journeyman actor who has spent his career appearing in tv commercials and doing various voiceover roles. His big break came in 2013 when his voice and motion capture was used to play career criminal, Michael De Santo in Grand Theft Auto 5.
He became one of the coolest characters in the history of the franchise, and continues to delight fans who continue to play the game, living vicariously through his antics in and around Los Santos.
Hayden Panettiere In Until Dawn
Sam is the lead protagonist in Supermassive Games breakout hit, Until Dawn. She is voiced and motion captured by Heroes and Scream actress, Hayden Panettiere, in one of her strongest performances to date.
Sam is a heroic character in the game, and she possesses good leadership skills which make her performance very likable and important to the narrative. Panettiere treats the role like she would any other, exuding gravitas and showcasing her emotional acting abilities.
Andrew Bongiorno In Mafia
The role of Tommy Angelo was recast for the Mafia remake, and it included the introduction of motion capture into the performance. Andrew Bongiorno got the role and made it his own, as he perfected the dual role of family man and mobster.
The actor has appeared in other mob roles, but this one is his finest as he really convinces as a gangster. Fans of the game enjoy playing with his character and following his story as he rises through the ranks.