Black Actors Who Are Voices In Video Games You Play

The world of video games relies heavily on vocal performances to bring digital characters to life and create immersive experiences for players. Many famous screen actors have successfully transitioned into the recording booth to lend their talents to iconic gaming franchises. These performers provide the emotional weight and distinct personalities that make modern gaming narratives so compelling. This list highlights several talented Black actors who have voiced memorable characters in popular video games.

Keith David

Keith David is a prolific voice actor known for his commanding baritone voice in numerous high profile projects. He voiced the Arbiter Thel Vadam in the ‘Halo’ series where he played a pivotal role in the alliance between Elites and Humans. David also brought the character Captain David Anderson to life in the ‘Mass Effect’ trilogy as a mentor to Commander Shepard. His extensive video game resume includes roles in ‘Saints Row’ and ‘Mortal Kombat 11’ where he voiced Spawn.

Christopher Judge

Christopher Judge gained immense popularity for his powerful portrayal of Kratos in the ‘God of War’ soft reboot and its sequel. He provided both the voice and motion capture for the character as he navigated fatherhood in Norse mythology. His performance earned him widespread critical acclaim and several industry awards for acting. Before his time as the Ghost of Sparta he also contributed voices to games like ‘Turok’ and ‘Def Jam Vendetta’.

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick was a beloved actor who became a fixture in the gaming community through his recurring roles in major franchises. He voiced Commander Zavala in the ‘Destiny’ series and became a foundational figure for the player community. Reddick also portrayed the mysterious Sylens in ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ and its sequel ‘Horizon Forbidden West’. His distinct voice and calm delivery made him a favorite among fans of science fiction and action games.

Phil LaMarr

Phil LaMarr is one of the most versatile voice actors in the industry with hundreds of credits to his name. He is well known for voicing the iconic character Vamp in the ‘Metal Gear Solid’ series. LaMarr also voiced the character Sig in the ‘Jak and Daxter’ franchise and Ratbag in ‘Middle earth Shadow of Mordor’. His range allows him to play everything from heroic protagonists to eccentric sidekicks in various gaming genres.

Kevin Michael Richardson

Kevin Michael Richardson possesses a deep and resonant voice that has been featured in dozens of video games. He voiced the intimidating Sarevok Anchev in the ‘Baldur’s Gate’ series and Jeyne Kassan in ‘Dungeon Siege III’. Richardson also provided voices for characters in the ‘Halo’ series and played various roles in ‘Skylanders’. His ability to portray menacing villains and powerful creatures has made him a staple in the industry.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews brought his high energy and charismatic persona to the world of video games in ‘Crackdown 3’. He played the lead character Commander Jaxon and appeared in promotional materials as the face of the game. Crews has also been involved in ‘Saints Row IV’ where he voiced himself in a memorable cameo. His passion for gaming and hardware has made him a recognizable figure in the community.

Lester Speight

Lester Speight is best known to gamers as the voice of Augustus Cole who is also called the Cole Train in the ‘Gears of War’ series. His energetic performance and catchphrases helped make the character a fan favorite throughout the entire franchise. Speight also appeared in various television projects and other sports related games over the years. His background as a professional football player and wrestler added a sense of physical presence to his vocal work.

Dave Fennoy

Dave Fennoy delivered a legendary performance as Lee Everett in the first season of ‘The Walking Dead’ by Telltale Games. His work on the project earned him numerous nominations and established him as a premier voice talent. Fennoy also voiced Bluebeard in ‘The Wolf Among Us’ and Pong Krell in ‘Lego Star Wars III The Clone Wars’. He has contributed to massive franchises like ‘Dota 2’ and ‘Starcraft II’ during his long career.

Tony Todd

Tony Todd is a veteran actor known for his deep voice who recently portrayed Venom in ‘Marvel’s Spider Man 2’. His performance captured the menacing nature of the symbiote and received praise from fans and critics alike. Todd also voiced the Vortigaunts in ‘Half Life 2’ and its subsequent episodes. He has appeared in other titles like ‘Call of Duty Black Ops II’ and ‘Layers of Fear 2’ throughout his storied career.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba made a significant impact on the gaming world by starring in the ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ expansion titled ‘Phantom Liberty’. He played Solomon Reed who is a veteran secret agent caught in a web of political intrigue. Elba also appeared in ‘NBA 2K20’ as part of the cinematic career mode story. His involvement in high budget projects demonstrates the growing crossover between Hollywood stars and major video game releases.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito brought his talent for playing sophisticated villains to ‘Far Cry 6’ as the main antagonist Anton Castillo. He provided both his voice and likeness for the character who rules the fictional island of Yara. Esposito also appeared in ‘Payday 2’ as the character known as The Dentist. His menacing and calculated performances have translated perfectly from television screens to interactive media.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright reprised his role as Isaac in ‘The Last of Us Part II’ after having played the character in the motion capture sessions. He also voiced various characters in ‘The Lego Batman Movie’ video game and other licensed projects. Wright is known for his intellectual and measured delivery which brings gravity to his digital roles. His presence in major narrative driven games adds a layer of prestige to the storytelling.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan starred in the ‘NBA 2K17’ MyCareer mode as the character Justice Young. He played the teammate and friend of the player character and provided extensive voice work and motion capture. Jordan also appeared in ‘Creed Rise to Glory’ which is a virtual reality boxing game based on his movie series. His involvement in gaming shows his interest in exploring different forms of entertainment media.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie has contributed his voice to several video game projects throughout his career including early work in ‘The Warriors’. He also voiced his Marvel character Falcon in ‘Disney Infinity 2.0’ and ‘Disney Infinity 3.0’. Mackie appeared in the ‘Twisted Metal’ television series which is based on the popular PlayStation game franchise. His charismatic voice work often mirrors the energy he brings to his live action performances.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali participated in the ‘Madden NFL 18’ story mode titled Longshot. He played the role of Cutter Wade who is the father of the main protagonist in the cinematic narrative. This role allowed him to bring his Academy Award winning talent to a sports simulation game. Ali has also been involved in other voice projects that showcase his range and depth as a performer.

Khary Payton

Khary Payton is widely recognized for his work as Cyborg in various DC Comics games including the ‘Injustice’ series. He also voiced the character Drebin 893 in ‘Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots’. Payton provided the voice for Azrael in the ‘Batman Arkham’ series and has numerous credits in titles like ‘SimSettlements 2’. His ability to balance humor and drama makes him a highly sought after talent in the industry.

Bumper Robinson

Bumper Robinson has a long list of credits in the video game industry dating back several decades. He voiced Falcon in ‘Lego Marvel’s Avengers’ and has appeared in ‘Star Wars’ titles like ‘Star Wars The Old Republic’. Robinson also provided voices for ‘Ratchet and Clank All 4 One’ and the ‘Skylanders’ series. His versatile voice has been a part of many childhoods through both animation and interactive gaming.

Gary Anthony Williams

Gary Anthony Williams is known for his unique vocal range and has appeared in games like ‘Batman Arkham Knight’ as the character Master Cornstalk. He also voiced Uncle Ruckus in ‘The Boondocks’ video game content and various characters in ‘Alpha Protocol’. Williams has contributed to the ‘Starcraft’ and ‘Diablo’ franchises with his distinct voice. His work often includes character voices that require a high degree of personality and flair.

Ike Amadi

Ike Amadi is a prominent voice actor who voiced the Prothean character Javik in ‘Mass Effect 3’. He also took over the role of Shao Kahn in ‘Mortal Kombat 11’ and ‘Mortal Kombat 1’ providing a powerful presence for the villain. Amadi has appeared in ‘Halo 5 Guardians’ as Spartan Locke and in ‘Spider Man’ as various characters. His deep voice is perfectly suited for warriors and authoritative figures in gaming.

Zeno Robinson

Zeno Robinson is a rising star in the voice acting world with roles in several major video game titles. He voiced the character Fogado in ‘Fire Emblem Engage’ and appeared in ‘Horizon Forbidden West’ as Varl. Robinson also provided voices for ‘Street Fighter 6’ and ‘Sonic Dream Team’. His energetic and youthful performances have made him a popular choice for modern protagonists and supporting characters.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson delivered one of the most memorable villainous performances in gaming history as Officer Frank Tenpenny in ‘Grand Theft Auto San Andreas’. He also voiced his iconic character Nick Fury in ‘Disney Infinity’ and other Marvel related games. Jackson lent his voice to the title character in ‘Afro Samurai’ which was based on the anime of the same name. His unmistakable voice brings a sense of authority and coolness to every digital role he inhabits.

Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers voiced the character Jax Briggs in ‘Mortal Kombat X’ through a special downloadable skin that used his likeness and voice. He also provided the voice for Combat Carl in ‘Toy Story’ themed games and expansions. Weathers had a significant presence in ‘The Artful Escape’ where he played the character Lightman. His legendary status in film made his occasional forays into video games very special for players.

Ernie Hudson

Ernie Hudson has frequently voiced his character Winston Zeddemore in various ‘Ghostbusters’ video games over the years. This includes ‘Ghostbusters The Video Game’ and the more recent ‘Ghostbusters Spirits Unleashed’. He also appeared in ‘Twin Mirror’ and provided voices for ‘NBA 2K18’. Hudson’s warm and steady voice remains a comforting presence for fans of the franchises he represents.

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje voiced the character Malkot in the ‘Gears 5’ expansion titled Hivebusters. He also provided voices for ‘Def Jam Icon’ earlier in his career where he appeared as himself. His deep and resonant voice is often used to portray tough and formidable characters. Akinnuoye Agbaje has a background in major film franchises which translates well to high stakes video game narratives.

Nonso Anozie

Nonso Anozie contributed his vocal talents to the stylish indie game ‘The Artful Escape’ as the character Captain Smiles. He also appeared in ‘Remember Me’ where he provided voices for the futuristic action title. Anozie is known for his large physical presence and deep voice which makes him a great fit for larger than life game characters. His work in the industry continues to grow as he takes on more diverse roles.

Hakeem Kae-Kazim

Hakeem Kae Kazim has appeared in several ‘Call of Duty’ titles including ‘Call of Duty WWII’ and ‘Call of Duty Vanguard’. He also voiced characters in the ‘Halo’ series and ‘Saints Row’. Kae Kazim provides a sophisticated and worldly tone to the characters he portrays. His international background allows him to bring authenticity to a wide range of roles in global gaming franchises.

Harold Perrineau

Harold Perrineau voiced the character Michael Dawson in the ‘Lost’ video game based on the popular television show. He also appeared in ‘Lego Dimensions’ where he reprised his role from ‘The Lego Batman Movie’. Perrineau has contributed to various other projects that require a high degree of emotional acting. His ability to convey complex feelings through his voice alone is a valuable asset in game development.

Cress Williams

Cress Williams has voiced characters in games like ‘Doom 3’ and the ‘Star Trek’ gaming universe. He provided voices for several entries in the ‘Saints Row’ series and ‘Grey’s Anatomy The Game’. Williams is known for his authoritative and hero centric voice which has served him well in live action and voice roles. His career spans many different genres of interactive entertainment.

Nadji Jeter

Nadji Jeter is the voice and motion capture actor for Miles Morales in the ‘Marvel’s Spider Man’ series by Insomniac Games. He has portrayed the character through his origin story and into his role as a lead hero. Jeter also appeared in ‘The Last of Us’ as the character Sam during the early stages of his career. His performance as Miles has been praised for its heart and relatability.

Abubakar Salim

Abubakar Salim provided the voice and motion capture for Bayek of Siwa who is the protagonist of ‘Assassin’s Creed Origins’. His performance was highly acclaimed for its range and emotional depth as he portrayed a father seeking justice. Salim has since started his own game development studio and remains a strong advocate for the industry. He also voiced characters in ‘The DioField Chronicle’ and ‘Xenoblade Chronicles 3’.

James C. Mathis III

James C. Mathis III is widely recognized as the voice of Black Panther in various Marvel video games including ‘Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite’. He also voiced the character Sigurd in ‘God of War’ and appeared in ‘Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart’. Mathis has a long history with the ‘Metal Gear’ series and ‘Batman Arkham’ games. His regal and strong vocal delivery makes him the perfect choice for heroic leaders.

David Harewood

David Harewood provided a standout performance as Mr. Door in the psychological thriller ‘Alan Wake 2’. He also voiced the character Sinclair in the PlayStation title ‘Killzone Shadow Fall’. Harewood is known for his work in ‘Call of Duty Infinite Warfare’ where he played Staff Sergeant Omar. His presence in these games adds a cinematic quality to the storytelling and character development.

David Ajala

David Ajala voiced the character Peter in the ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ expansion ‘Phantom Liberty’ alongside Idris Elba. He also appeared in ‘Mass Effect Andromeda’ as the character Reyes Vidal. Ajala brings a charming and sometimes roguish energy to his video game roles. His work in science fiction games has made him a recognizable voice for fans of the genre.

Barkhad Abdi

Barkhad Abdi contributed his voice to the game ‘Anthem’ where he played the character known as Freehold. This role marked his entry into the world of AAA video game development after his breakout film roles. Abdi’s unique vocal texture and delivery help him stand out in an ensemble cast. He continues to explore opportunities in both film and digital media.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle voiced Colonel James Rhodes in the ‘Iron Man 2’ video game which was released alongside the film. He provided the likeness and voice for War Machine in the action title. Cheadle has also appeared in other licensed Marvel projects over the years. His involvement brings a sense of continuity for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe who play the games.

Shameik Moore

Shameik Moore provided the voice for Miles Morales in the ‘Spider Man Into the Spider Verse’ tie in content and related mobile games. While Nadji Jeter plays the character in the Insomniac series Moore is synonymous with the character in other media. He has also been involved in various promotional gaming projects. His youthful energy is a perfect match for the teenage superhero.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover voiced Lando Calrissian in ‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ during the content updates related to the ‘Solo’ movie. He brought the same charm and wit to the digital version of the character that he displayed on screen. Glover has also been featured in ‘NBA 2K’ projects and other interactive media. His multitalented nature allows him to excel in various aspects of digital entertainment.

Billy Dee Williams

Billy Dee Williams has voiced Lando Calrissian in numerous ‘Star Wars’ games for several decades. This includes titles like ‘Star Wars Jedi Knight II Jedi Outcast’ and the ‘Lego Star Wars’ series. His smooth and iconic voice is essential for the character of Lando in any medium. Williams remains one of the most consistent contributors to the legacy of ‘Star Wars’ in gaming.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones provided the legendary voice of Darth Vader in several ‘Star Wars’ video game projects. His voice was used to bring gravity and terror to the Dark Lord of the Sith in cinematic sequences. While some games use soundalikes Jones has lent his specific talents to key entries in the franchise history. His voice is perhaps the most recognizable in the history of cinema and gaming alike.

Dennis Haysbert

Dennis Haysbert voiced the character Irving Lambert in ‘Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow’. He also appeared in ‘Call of Duty Finest Hour’ as the narrator for certain segments. Haysbert is known for his authoritative and trustworthy voice which has been used in many commercials and games. His presence provides a sense of reliability and weight to the narratives he joins.

Andre Braugher

Andre Braugher voiced the character Darkseid in ‘Superman/Batman Apocalypse’ and appeared in related interactive projects. He also provided voices for characters in games like ‘House of the Dead Overkill’. Braugher was known for his incredible vocal control and ability to play powerful figures. His contributions to the superhero genre in gaming are well remembered by fans.

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton voiced his iconic character Geordi La Forge in several ‘Star Trek’ video games over the years. He also appeared in ‘Captain Planet and the Planeteers’ related projects. Burton has been involved in educational gaming and projects that promote literacy and learning. His voice remains a symbol of intelligence and kindness for generations of players.

Method Man

Method Man voiced himself and several other characters in the ‘Def Jam’ fighting game series. He was a central figure in ‘Def Jam Fight for NY’ which is considered a classic of the genre. Method Man has also appeared in ‘Call of Duty’ as a playable operator with unique voice lines. His influence on hip hop culture has transitioned smoothly into the gaming world.

Ludacris

Ludacris was a major character and voice in the ‘Def Jam’ wrestling games alongside other hip hop legends. He provided his likeness and voice for several entries including ‘Def Jam Vendetta’. Ludacris also appeared in ‘Forza Horizon 2’ as part of the ‘Fast and Furious’ expansion. His high energy voice work is well suited for the intense action found in these titles.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg has one of the most prolific careers in gaming cameos and voice packs. He famously provided a voice pack for ‘Call of Duty Ghosts’ that changed the multiplayer announcer to his voice. Snoop has also appeared as a playable character in ‘True Crime Streets of LA’ and ‘Tekken Tag Tournament 2’. His laid back personality and distinct voice make him a popular addition to any game.

Common

Common voiced the character B.R.A.D. in the game ‘Terminator Salvation’ which was based on the film. He also appeared in ‘Liberty City Stories’ as part of the soundtrack and promotional material. Common has contributed to various projects that blend music and interactive storytelling. His smooth delivery brings a level of sophistication to the roles he takes on.

50 Cent

50 Cent starred in his own video game series starting with ’50 Cent Bulletproof’ on the PlayStation 2. He provided extensive voice work and helped develop the story for the action title. He followed this with ’50 Cent Blood on the Sand’ which featured more of his music and vocal performances. These games were unique for being built entirely around the persona of a rap superstar.

Bokeem Woodbine

Bokeem Woodbine voiced the character Mike Harper in ‘Call of Duty Black Ops II’. He also appeared in ‘Payday 2’ as the character known as The Elephant. Woodbine is known for playing tough and reliable characters in both film and gaming. His vocal performance in the ‘Black Ops’ series was a key part of the game’s branching narrative.

Mike Colter

Mike Colter provided the voice and likeness for Spartan Jameson Locke in ‘Halo 5 Guardians’. He also played the character in the live action series ‘Halo Nightfall’ which tied into the game. Colter has appeared in other titles like ‘Lost Planet 1’ earlier in his career. His strong presence and calm voice make him an ideal fit for a super soldier in the ‘Halo’ universe.

Tell us which of these legendary voice performances is your favorite in the comments.