Troy Baker, known as the industry’s go-to voice actor, has taken on a significant role in the first-person action-adventure video game “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.” The game, developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda Softworks, comes to Xbox Series X|S and PC on Monday.
Baker was initially hesitant to be part of the project, as his name is often associated with other high-profile games. However, he impressed the team behind the game with his audition tape, which was so convincing that it felt like listening to a young Harrison Ford.
“I think there’s this misconception that people just call me up and put me in their game,” Baker said. “It’s more often like the Todd Howard situation, where someone is going, ‘No, don’t give me that.'”
Baker has successfully channeled the spirit of Ford into the game, bringing the character to life with his performance. However, he emphasizes that there’s more to his role than just doing an impersonation.
“We’re not making a tribute act,” Baker said. “We’re making something new. We know what Indy sounds like when he’s in ancient Egyptian tomb… but what does it sound like when we’re in a new situation?”
Baker got his start in the industry through chance, singing in rock bands and recording voice-overs for TV and radio commercials. He credits his friend at Gearbox Software with giving him an opportunity to record a mic, leading to his career.
The game’s development team was initially surprised by Baker’s request that his name not be widely advertised as the voice of Indiana Jones. However, he stood firm on this point, saying it was for the same reason that Todd Howard didn’t want him in the game.
Baker’s standout roles have put him on a short list of video game voice actors with name recognition, alongside Ashley Johnson and Nolan North. While he appreciates being recognized in the street, he wants people to be surprised by his involvement in the project.
For Baker, this role is a significant achievement and a feather in his cap as an actor. He’s proven himself capable of taking on diverse roles, from action heroes to nuanced dramatic leads.
Baker’s performance in “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” marks a notable milestone in his career, and fans are eagerly anticipating the game’s release. With his impressive track record, it’s no wonder that Baker is one of the most sought-after voice actors in the industry.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/07/arts/troy-baker-indiana-jones-great-circle.html