Vsevolod Kuznetsov: Interview with the voice actor behind Geralt the Witcher, Brad Pitt, Will Smith, and Keanu Reeves

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Vsevolod Kuznetsov is one of the most popular voice actors in Russia. His voice is featured in Russian-language dubbing of films starring such renowned Hollywood actors as Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves, Will Smith, and Tom Cruise. Vsevolod Kuznetsov also gained widespread recognition for voicing Geralt in The Witcher series, making him a key voice actor in the gaming industry. His talent and skill allow him to create vivid and memorable characters, making him a sought-after voice actor.

At Comic Con in Astana, we spoke with Vsevolod Kuznetsov, who shared his experience in video game voice acting and discussed a variety of other interesting topics related to the industry.

The video game voice acting industry in Russia is undergoing significant changes. Given global trends and the domestic political situation, many developers and studios are adapting to the new conditions. Importantly, the demand for high-quality localized content continues to grow, opening up new opportunities for voice actors and sound engineers.

On the one hand, some international companies are suspending their activities in the Russian market, which is creating certain difficulties. On the other hand, this is paving the way for domestic studios to begin offering competitive voice-over services. Another important aspect is the increased interest in independent projects and indie games, which often implement innovative approaches to voice-over.

Overall, changes in the video game voice-over industry in Russia can be seen as an opportunity for the growth and development of the local market, as well as for the creation of unique content that will be in demand both domestically and internationally.

Many large companies have left the Russian market, resulting in a lack of game voice-overs from these developers. However, the question remains: why shouldn't art, including video games, bring people together? Games are an art form that can overcome language and cultural barriers. It's important to remember that creativity can bring people together, regardless of the political situation.

The country is actively developing its own games, although there are no major gaming projects yet. I wasn't involved in this work and have no information about current projects. There was a game called "Smuta" before, but I didn't delve into the details of its development. Sometimes, unfortunately, I don't remember the names of games and the characters I voiced. When someone mentions that I voiced a certain character, it can be difficult for me to remember how to react. I still remember the films I worked on, but not always the games. I sometimes joke that I've become the headless horseman of the video game world.

Voice acting in films and video games has its own unique features and requires different approaches. In film, the emphasis is on creating an emotional mood and conveying a character's personality through the voice. Actors deliver their lines within the context of the script, paying attention to intonation and expressiveness, which helps create vivid images and an immersive atmosphere.

In contrast, voice acting in video games requires more flexibility and interactivity. Here, it is important not only to convey emotional coloring, but also to adapt to the gameplay. Characters may speak lines in response to the player's actions, which requires actors to be able to quickly vary intonation and emotion.

Furthermore, games often use motion capture technology, which allows the voice to be synchronized with the character's movements, creating a more realistic interaction. Thus, although both processes share the common goal of creating engaging content, the methods and approaches to voice acting vary significantly depending on the format.

In recent years, games and films have increasingly intersected, becoming increasingly similar to each other in terms of voice acting. Video games already feature numerous cutscenes that are voiced in a similar way to films. Scenes recorded using motion capture technology allow for the full expression of an actor, helping to accurately convey their emotions in the voiceover. This collaboration between the gaming and film industries opens up new horizons for actors and content creators, expanding storytelling possibilities and deepening the emotional experience for players.

Games have certain timing constraints, which can be either strict or more flexible. For example, in The Witcher 2, some lines were voiced using loose timing, but it later turned out that strict timing was necessary. This resulted in audio glitches and desyncs, with some lines being delivered at a faster or slower speed. Such problems can arise on large projects, where timing plays a key role in the quality of the sound and perception of the game.

There is a certain difficulty in game voiceover, which lies in the fact that without a visual image, you need to actively use your imagination. Different actors manifest this quality to varying degrees: for some, it works effectively, while for others, it is less successful. For me, this is a serious challenge.

Games and films represent different genres, each with its own specifics. These specifics both facilitate and complicate the content creation process. However, there are also common features, such as translation, which can be both successful and unsuccessful. The quality of the director's work is also an important aspect: a good director contributes to the success of a project, while a weak one can create problems.

Unofficial and fan-made game voiceover projects occupy an important place in the gaming industry. They allow players to gain a unique experience and new emotions from their favorite games. Such projects are often created by enthusiasts seeking to improve the quality of voiceovers and adapt content for a wider audience. As a result, fan-made voiceovers can significantly enrich a game's atmosphere and make it more accessible to Russian-speaking players. Despite the lack of official support, such initiatives often become popular and attract attention, confirming their importance in the gaming community.

I don't pay much attention to games because I hardly play them myself. My son is very into them, and I prefer to be hands-on. I'm afraid that if I start playing, I might become immersed in this world and forget about reality.

I often watch Let's Plays because they help me better understand the specifics of games and acting in gameplay. These videos allow me to evaluate how well I interpret my characters. It's crucial for me that the player, while playing the game, feels as if the events are unfolding in the present moment. Each line should be delivered in such a way that it seems as if it just occurred to the character. This naturalness is what I strive to convey in my work.

Creative tasks always leave room for improvisation. Spontaneity allows for unique solutions and fresh ideas. In the creative process, it's important not only to follow established rules but also to be open to new approaches. Improvisation can be a source of inspiration and lead to unexpected yet successful results. Therefore, creative tasks require a balance between planning and freedom of expression, which makes the process even more engaging and productive.

Working in this field requires creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. When faced with a line, you're tempted to give a simple answer, but true art lies in finding an original solution. The same word "thank you" can be expressed in many ways, each with its own nuances. The more creative approaches an actor finds, the more engaging and rich the performance will be. This allows you to create a unique atmosphere and makes the interaction more memorable.

The phrase "Move, Roach," which became popular in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, is a source of intrigue for many fans of the series. This iconic moment has become an integral part of the gameplay. The question of whether this translation was original or created by the translation team remains relevant. In fact, this phrase was adapted during the localization process, which allowed it to harmoniously fit into the context of the game and preserve the atmosphere. Interest in video game translation and localization continues to grow, and examples like this highlight the importance of high-quality text in games.

It's difficult to say for sure right now, but it's likely that the original translation did contain many references to devils. However, we made changes, replacing some of these words with the word "infection." This decision was made as there aren't many devils in the context of the game, and their frequent mentions seemed inappropriate. Therefore, the use of the term "infection" became more appropriate in Geralt's dialogue.

Geralt's song about Lambert was originally a short improvisation with the phrase "Lambert, you're a dick." During discussions, we added new lines that became part of the final version. Interestingly, the translator was later convinced that this was exactly what he had originally written. We tried to convince him it was our idea.

Reading is an important part of our lives, providing us with the opportunity to gain knowledge, develop our imagination, and expand our horizons. It is important not only to read books but also to get acquainted with various sources of information, such as articles, blogs, and research. This allows you to stay on top of current topics and trends. Consider the variety of genres and formats: fiction, scientific publications, documentaries, and much more can enrich your reading experience. Don't forget to share your impressions and recommendations with others to inspire new discoveries. Reading is not only entertaining but also promotes personal growth, strengthening critical thinking and analytical skills.

Interview with voice actor Petr Glanz: the intricacies of game voiceover and his latest projects

Petr Glanz, a renowned voice actor, shares his thoughts on the specifics of working in the video game industry. In this interview, he discusses the processes behind creating sound for games, as well as his recent projects. Petr notes that voiceover requires not only acting skills but also a deep understanding of the character they portray. He discusses the importance of tailoring a voice to a character's personality and mood to create the most realistic experience for players.

The conversation also touches on new projects Glantz is involved in. He shares his impressions of working on popular games and discusses how technology is influencing the voice acting process. Petr emphasizes that modern tools allow for higher-quality sound and open up new opportunities for actors. Thanks to his experience and professionalism, many games achieve a unique sound that players remember.

The interview also discusses trends in the world of voice acting and how the perception of this profession is changing. Petr Glanz assures that game voiceover will become even more in demand as the industry continues to grow and interest in video games does not wane.