The most iconic video game characters range from gun-slinging supersoldiers like Master Chief to megalomaniacal villains like Handsome Jack. To almost 3.3 billion global players, game characters are epic figures in the battle of good vs. evil. But beyond cool visual designs, the voices defining their personalities are what make game characters extraordinary.
At Voice123 – where you’ll find pro video game voices – we understand the value of voice overs in gaming. Here, we’ll break down the most iconic video game characters and uncover the top male video game characters and female video game characters in 2024.
Gear up, players – the real adventure’s about to begin!
Top 10 most iconic video game characters
1. Mario
Charles Martinet has been this popular video game character’s voice for over thirty years. His distinctive Italian accent brought Mario’s adventurous spirit to life with classic catchphrases like “It’s a-me, Mario!” Chris Pratt voices Mario in the Super Mario Bros. film.
2. Lara Croft
Camilla Luddington voices the female video game character of Lara Croft. Luddington’s voice inspires global players as a strong-willed archeologist. Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander played Lara Croft in different Tomb Raider films.
3. Master Chief
Steve Downes has been the voice of this famous video game character for over twenty years. Downes’ deep, gravelly voice captures the supersoldiers’ imposing heroism. Pablo Schreiber played the character in the Halo TV series, removing the Chief’s helmet for the first time.
4. Nathan Drake
Nolan North is this famous video game character’s voice in Uncharted. North captures Drake’s quick thinking and mischievous humor during thrilling treasure hunts and daring escapes. Tom Holland plays Drake in the Uncharted film.
5. Cortana
Jen Taylor voices Cortana, one of Halo’s best video game characters. Taylor spotlights Cortana’s empathy as an emotional foil for the supersoldier. Her voice is so synonymous with Cortana that she voiced her in the live-action series.
6. The Joker
Mark Hamill voices one of Batman’s most iconic video game characters – The Joker. Hamill blends manic energy with dark humor to capture the Joker’s unpredictable nature. Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix played the Joker in different Hollywood films.
7. Handsome Jack
Dameon Clarke voices Handsome Jack, one of the most iconic video game characters with psychopathic traits from Borderlands 2. Clarke flawlessly switches tones from charming to menacing, highlighting Jack’s egotistical yet memorable nature.
8. Joel Miller
Troy Baker voices Joel Miller, one of the best video game characters from The Last of Us. Baker’s gruff tone and charming Southern accent mirror Joel’s rugged personality as he banters with Ellie. Pedro Pascal plays Joel in the TV series.
9. Ellie
Ashley Johnson voices Ellie, the young video game character from The Last of Us. Johnson’s raspy, youthful defiance captures Ellie’s determination in a harsh post-apocalyptic world. Bella Ramsey plays Ellie in the TV series.
10. Sonic
Roger Craig Smith has been the Sonic game character’s voice since 2010. Smith adds a youthful playfulness to the blue hedgehog’s dynamic personality throughout the series. Ben Schwartz voiced Sonic in the Sonic live-action films.
The best male video game characters
- Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2 is voiced by Roger Clark with a gravelly tone and weathered quality, reflecting the rugged lifestyle of an outlaw in the American Wild West.
- Batman from the Batman Arkham is one of the most famous gaming characters in the superhero universe. Kevin Conroy’s textured, husky tone highlights the Bat’s dark tones as he battles The Joker.
- Kratos from God of War is voiced by Christopher Judge. His brutal tone captures the Spartan warrior’s raw power, with booming lines like “Boy!”
The best female video game characters
- Tracer is one of the female video game characters from Overwatch. Cara Theobold uses a crisp British accent for Tracer in lines like: “Cheers, love! The cavalry’s here!”
- Commander Shepard is one of the best female video game characters from Mass Effect. Jennifer Hale captures Shepard’s leadership with conviction and power.
- Jaina Proudmoore from World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King is voiced by Laura Bailey, who creates a wise video game character with magical abilities.
How to create popular video game characters
- Brainstorm ideas for unique personality traits and unconventional abilities like Sonic’s Speed or Batman’s tech.
- Create vibrant visual aesthetics, like costumes and hairstyles like Master Chief’s intimidating armor.
- Write witty dialogue between players and game characters, like Joel and Ellie’s family-like banter.
- Surprise players with unexpected traits, actions, and narrative developments like the Joker’s sinister attachment to Batman.
- Use pro voice actors to make characters sound realistic to players, from Cortana’s Siri-like snipe to Mario’s youthful charm.
Need a skilled pro voice to add emotion to game characters. Find the best video game voices on Voice123!
Final thoughts on video game characters
From Commander Shepard to Joel Miller, popular gaming characters captivate imaginations and emotions. But behind every heroic triumph or villainous scheme is a skilled voice actor who leaves an unforgettable mark on players worldwide.
Need Mario’s infectious cheer or Lara Croft’s resilience in your next AV project? Work with the vocal pros on Voice123, or hire our full-scale Managed Services to handle your entire project.
Ready to create the next generation of famous video game characters?
FAQs
Mario is considered the most popular character ever for his cheerful personality and iconic design.
Nathan Drake is considered one of the coolest characters for his adventurous spirit, quick wit, and youthful sense of mischief.
Mario is considered the most popular for his cultural impact, spanning decades and multiple genres.
They’re usually called game characters, video games, playable or non-playable characters, and avatars. They range from protagonists and heroes to villains and sidekicks.