Creature voices are one of the most interesting and challenging for the voice actor. The incredibly realistic and immersive sounds of modern titles, creature voices can play a crucial role in creating a believable and immersive gaming experience. But how do you create a unique creature voice? Especially if it doesn’t exist in the real world. Here’s the tips I’ve used with actors to help them in their sessions and their auditions.
Creating Creature Voices – Discover The Appearance
Start With the Picture of the Creature
Look at your creature and the design they have shown you for the audition or session. Does it remind you of an animal or a mix of different animals? What do those animals sound like?
Look at the face. Do they have a tongue, or teeth? Are they large or small? For large creatures, we tend to associate with lower pitches and smaller creatures with higher pitches. Furthermore, build your creature’s voice and also use the artist’s picture to inspire you.
Make Sure Your Creature Has a Body!
We don’t just hire cool voices, we want a fully embodied character. How your creature’s character moves will affect the sounds it would or should make. Subsequently, return to the picture and put your body and face into that creature’s body and face. What sounds come out? How do they breathe? (If they breathe) Are they large and breathing heavily or small with quick tempo breaths? Additionally, find a way to connect physically with your creature and move as your creature as you make a sound. Get out of your booth and voice your character as you move through your home.
Can You Sustain the Creature Character’s Voice?
I often say: “Your audition is your promise.” If you submit an audition for a creature voice, expect to be able to perform that voice and character for 2 hours, in a variety of situations, and with a variety of emotional states. If you can’t shout in that creature’s voice, maybe you should choose a different creature’s voice. Therefore, making choices that allow your creature to be more expressive is better than a very cool sound. The human voice is an amazing instrument. While in a session, remember to play with the coach or director, so that you can discover the creature and see how it fits in the world of the game.
Making Decisions for Video Game Creature Voices
Intention for Creature Voices: Why Are You Making the Sound?
Every sound you make as your creature character should unquestionably have an intention. Animals (including humans) vocalize for communication, defense, hunting, reproduction, or even navigation. My dog talks with me all the time. She lets me know when it is time for a walk, to go out to the bathroom, to feed her, or to play. Similarly, each sound for her is specific and filled with intention and emotional life. Thus, your creature should have a range of emotions available to them and a variety of intentions.
Find Their Language
Many creature characters don’t speak English or any other human language. When this happens I encourage actors to say what their creature would say in their own words, then put it into creature gibberish. This can help the actor keep the intention while creating their own language.
Discover The Wants and Emotions of the Creature.
Growling isn’t a character, it’s like a costume. Basically, what makes character is the history, the purpose, and the motivation. What drives them? Go beyond creating interesting or even extreme sounds. Nonetheless, you are a voice actor, not just a vocal gymnast. Above all, connect with their purpose, feelings, and wants.
Creature Voices by D’Arcy Smith
