Exciting news for gaming fans: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to launch on PlayStation 5 next month. Bethesda recently released a captivating announcement video that not only piqued my interest but also utilized a unique approach to advertising. I sincerely hope this innovative ad campaign paves the way for similar marketing strategies in future game releases.
Normally, I maintain a neutral stance on the promotional techniques used for video games. A glimpse of gameplay and a confirmed release date are usually sufficient for me. However, this particular trailer stood out for its effective recognition of some of the industry’s often-overlooked talents. It’s refreshing to see these unsung heroes acknowledged, and it encourages me to hope for more attention on them in upcoming promotions.
Indiana Jones’ PS5 Trailer Spotlights Gaming Icons
The Trailer Features Troy Baker and Nolan North
In an engaging YouTube release on its channel, Bethesda showcased a PS5 date reveal video for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, spotlighting two esteemed figures in video game voice acting: Troy Baker and Nolan North. North’s inclusion is no accident; he is well-known for portraying Nathan Drake, PlayStation’s iconic treasure hunter from the Uncharted series. Their dynamic exchange in the trailer humorously contrasts their respective adventuring styles, enhancing the overall charm of the ad.
While I appreciated the trailer’s content, my real excitement stemmed from witnessing two of my favorite voice actors engaged as themselves, rather than in character. It’s relatively uncommon for games to feature their actors in promotional material, a practice that is more frequently seen in other media industries. This discrepancy raises an intriguing question: why aren’t video game voice actors recognized in a similar capacity, considering the dedication they put into their craft?
Voice Actors Baker and North Deserve Greater Recognition
Voice Actors Often Lack the Recognition Given to Screen Actors
In general, traditional screen actors tend to receive far more acclaim than their voice acting counterparts. For instance, the average person could easily name three characters portrayed by Tom Hanks, yet might struggle to do the same for Troy Baker, despite Baker’s impressive resume of over 300 credited roles, as noted on IMDb. While gaming has made significant strides toward being recognized as an art form, the creators behind these games still often lack the recognition enjoyed by their counterparts in other mediums.
This lack of acknowledgment is regrettable, as voice actors like Baker and North have made invaluable contributions worthy of appreciation. Baker’s role as Joel Miller in The Last of Us exemplifies how voice acting can enrich gameplay experiences, while North’s portrayal of Nathan Drake brings a unique charm that is irreplaceable—validated by the lackluster performance of the character in a recent live-action adaptation.
Moreover, voice actors showcase remarkable versatility, often embodying a wide array of characters convincingly. Baker, for example, has successfully voiced both the hero Batman and the villain Joker, showcasing his diverse range. His voice performance as Indiana Jones even garnered praise from the legendary Harrison Ford, who had previously doubted anyone could step into the iconic role.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Highlights the Importance of Voice Actors
Animated Shorts for Baldur’s Gate 3 Amplify Cast Appeal
Reflecting on the Indiana Jones trailer reminded me of the marketing approach taken by Baldur’s Gate 3, which successfully celebrated its cast post-launch. Although Larian Studios did not produce a trailer akin to the Indiana Jones announcement, they did release several animated shorts featuring cast members in their beloved roles to promote the game. These shorts, showcased on platforms like IGN, bear similarities to promotional content typically seen from Hollywood stars during appearances on talk shows.
My hope is that the trend of featuring voice actors in promotional content, as seen with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, becomes more prevalent in the gaming industry. Acknowledging the instrumental role voice actors play in crafting compelling narratives could lead to a brighter future where their contributions garner the recognition they rightfully deserve. Perhaps the popularity enjoyed by the Baldur’s Gate 3 cast will become the norm rather than an exception.
Sources: Bethesda/YouTube, IMDb, IGN