Video games have evolved into one of the most immersive and technically advanced entertainment experiences on the planet, and voice actors are a huge part of their success. Without the incredible talent and human texture these actors bring to their roles, some of your favorite games would feel flat and dull. These legendary actors did more than just voice their characters – they brought them to life.

Swipe ahead to learn more about the best video game voice actors.

Nolan North

Nathan Drake in Uncharted

Nolan North has had plenty of thrills in games like Assassin’s Creed, Call of Duty and Saints Row but his best role has to be Nathan Drake from the Uncharted series. North is booked and busy and if you’re an avid gamer there’s a good chance you’ve heard him more than once. North also does motion capture for some of his roles, adding an additional layer of depth to his performance.

Photography: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Jennifer Hale

Samus Aran in Metroid Prime

Jennifer Hale is one of the most prolific voice actors in the history of video games. She’s been in tons of classics, but delivered seminal performances as Commander Shepard in Mass Effect and Samus Aran in the Metroid trilogy. She always brings an emotional depth to her delivery that pulls the player into her world.

Photography: Nintendo

Troy Baker

Joel in The Last of Us

It would be easy to say Troy Baker is one of the greatest video game voice actors just from his turn as Joel in The Last of Us, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Baker has done impeccable voicework in hundreds of games with an impressive range of characters under his belt. He’s voiced everyone from Sam Drake in Uncharted 4 to Booker DeWitt in Bioshock Infinite and Pagan Min in Far Cry 4.

Photography: Sony Computer Entertainment

Steve Blum

Ares in God of War

Steve Blum actually holds the 2012 Guinness World Record for most video game credits ever recorded, boasting a staggering 16 major games every year since 2007. Blum had memorable performances as Wolverine in multiple entries and Ba’Gamnan in Final Fantasy XII, but his greatest role was arguably Ares in God of War. This role set a new standard for what fans could expect from a game and Blum has been delivering ever since.

Photography: Sony Computer Entertainment

Laura Bailey

Abby Anderson in The Last of Us Part II

Laura Bailey is a voice that video game fans know very well. She’s been in classics like Warcraft, Gears of War and Uncharted 4 but is most well-known for her haunting and brutal portrayal of Abby in The Last of Us Part II. Bailey’s performance as Abby got her a BAFTA Award for Best Performer in a Leading Role and Best Performance at The Game Awards.

Photography: Sony Computer Entertainment

Keith David

The Arbiter in Halo 3

Keith David’s booming, bass-heavy voice is an iconic presence in video games like Mass Effect and Saints Row. David’s standout performance was as The Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee in the Halo series. Whatever game David’s in, you can guarantee it will get your speaker’s rumbling.

Photography: Microsoft Game Studios