Poor game scripts result in bad acting, says audio boss

The regular criticism of bad voice acting in games is a direct result of poorly written scripts, according to Andy Emery, of audio specialists Side.

And while producers are eager to sign up Hollywood acting talent, a lack of voice directing, bad casting and unprofessional scripts can undo any credibility that an A-list actor can bring to a gaming project, reckons Emery.

"There are many factors that contribute to poor quality dialogue in games, but by far and away a poor script is the biggest single culprit," said Emery, in an interview published today.

"A professional script writer is an essential part of modern game development but still we get developer written scripts with alarming regularity."

While videogame producers often clamour to be on a par with their movie-making equivalents, Emery feels that overlooking audio considerations on a project can ruin the professionalism that is trying to be achieved.

"Some developers are reluctant to entertain the idea of a professional voice director but putting a highly skilled actor in the hands of a game developer - also highly skilled but not necessarily at the art of coaxing and cajoling performances out of someone - can lead to below par performances."

"The importance of good casting should not be underestimated," he added.

The managing director, who's company has worked on numerous franchises including Tomb Raider, Total War, James Bond and Driver, also feels that forcing actors to take numerous vocal roles is a habit that needs to be broken

"Due to a history in game audio of always having each actor voice multiple characters, you can easily end up with a bunch of rather hammy or comedic performances that are just not appropriate for what is happening on screen."

"You wouldn't cast Matt Damon as the lead role in a gritty WWII film and then ask him to also play a couple of German soldiers, a French ally and a bartender, whilst keeping all performances naturalistic. Yet these are the compromises continually made for voice acting in games," he commented.

The full interview with Side's Andy Emery can be read here.