Have you ever stopped to consider how a character’s voice in a video game seems to fit so perfectly? Like, it’s so good that it somehow enhances your entire gaming experience tenfold? Well, behind every iconic game character, there’s an equally iconic voice actor bringing them to life. It’s time to shine a spotlight on these amazing voice actors, often hidden behind their larger-than-life on-screen avatars.

1. Nolan North 

Nolan North is perhaps one of the best to ever grace the voice-acting community. With such a notable career and so many voice-acting credits, North is well known for his amazing contributions to the video game industry. Famed for his portrayal of the lovable rogue, Nathan Drake, in the Uncharted series, his charismatic delivery provides a layer of personality that is both adventurous and mischievously funny. But it doesn’t just end there, he also shines as Desmond Miles in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Modi in God of War, Tony Stark/Iron Man in Marvel’s Avengers, and Penguin in Batman: Arkham City. With so many great games under his belt, you have him to thank for creating such awesome gaming experiences!

Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America via Wikimedia Commons

2. Jennifer Hale 

The gaming universe would undoubtedly be less exciting if we didn’t have Jennifer Hale’s commanding voice there with us. Known for her portrayal of Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect series, her badass, empathetic, and complex voice acting became one that gamers around the globe fell in love with. Also providing the enchanting voice for Bastila Shan in Star Wars: Knight of the Old Republic and Naomi Hunter and Emma Emmerich in the Metal Gear Solid franchise, it’s safe to say there’s a clear reason why Hale is on this list.

Photo by Chris Presley via Wikimedia Commons

3. Charles Martinet 

All I need to say is “It’s-a me” for you to know who Charles Martinet is. Voicing one of the greatest video game characters of all time and our favourite Italian plumber since 1995, Martinet voices the beloved Mario. With each joyful “Wahoo!” or frustrated “Mamma mia!”, Martinet has imbued Mario with a sense of joy and love that has resonated with gamers for decades. But did you know he’s also the voice of Luigi, Wario, AND Waluigi? Talk about impressive! So whether you’re out saving Princess Peach or racing down the rainbow road, you’ll always have Martinet there with you for the ride.

Photo by Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA via Wikimedia Commons

4. Troy Baker

Known for his stunningly wide range, Troy Baker has been a household name in the gaming industry for years. With an incredible number of voice-acting credits, it’s unlikely that you’ve never come across his voice. Famous for his charming yet tortured performance of Joel in the popular game, The Last of Us, that’s just scraping the surface of all the amazing work he’s done. Acting as the charismatic villain, Pagan Min, in Far Cry 4, Booker DeWitt in Bioshock Infinite, Snow Villiers in Final Fantasy 13, Bruce Banner in Marvel’s Avengers, Kanji Tatsumi in Persona 4, and the Arkham Knight in Batman: Arkham Knight, these roles are all a testament to Baker’s immense talent and versatility.

Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America via Wikimedia Commons

5. Steve Blum 

With a voice as rough as gravel but as cool as ice, Steve Blum has made a unique and deep impression on the gaming community. Using his gravelly voice to bring Wolverine to life in various X-Men games, he’s also the iconic voice behind Grayson Hunt in Bulletstorm, Tank Dempsey in Call of Duty: Black Ops, Ares in God of War, and Sub-Zero in Mortal Combat X. With a growl so perfect that it’ll send shivers down your spine, Blum’s characters are always filled with depth and an irresistible gruff charm.

Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America via Wikimedia Commons

6. Laura Bailey 

Providing voices for over 200 hundred fictional characters, Laura Bailey is an absolute star in the voice-acting community. With an impressive array of characters, she’s provided her talents to innocent and determined characters like Kait Diaz in Gears of War and tormented characters like Abby in The Last of Us Part II. Even stepping into the shoes of Black Widow for Marvel’s Avengers, Kaine in NieR, and Serah Farron in Final Fantasy 13, each role Bailey takes on is guaranteed to be filled with an emotional depth that leaves players deeply invested.

Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America via Wikimedia Commons

From Italian plumbers to space commanders, these six phenomenal voice actors are able to bring even the wackiest of characters to life in the most spectacular ways. While these actors may often go unnoticed, it’s time we give them the love and recognition they deserve. After all, they’re the ones giving you the best gaming experiences you could ever imagine!