ReadyAimFire

What’s it really like to make games solo? In this episode of the Ready Aim Fire Podcast, Kezia & Tom chat with Ryan Laley, teacher, YouTube content creator and indie dev behind Mimic, a multiplayer survival horror game built for players and streamers. Ryan reveals how he went from teaching game design (including a member of the Sidemen) to building a thriving YouTube community and now running his one-man studio. We talk about the highs and lows of solo development, coding, art, marketing, late night testing and the surprising ways he keeps the momentum going. You’ll hear:How a hobby project became a full time careerWhy teaching (and even architecture) shaped his processLetting fans watch and influence development liveBuilding a community on YouTubeBehind the scenes stories from conventions, Sidemen and Mimic“I think the number one thing is having an idea that you are interested in first and foremost. Because games take a long time to make and you want to make something that you are interested in. If you don’t have interest in it, then it won’t matter” — Ryan LaleyIf you’re curious about indie games, YouTube dev culture, or the future of survival horror, this episode is packed with insights, laughs and inspiration .🧭 Timestamps:00:00 - Games: Art, Story, & Interaction06:21 - Balancing Freedom and Responsibility12:05 - Student Foley Project Success18:18 - Teaching's Impact: Learning and Explaining25:25 - Engaging Players in Indie Games27:23-  Game Launch with Diverse Maps33:11 - Creating a Tactile Game for Son39:45 - Blueprints: Intense Puzzle Gaming43:27 - Role of a Game Publisher51:05 - Passion Essential in Game Development55:03 - Wholesome Feedback at Game Exhibitions59:28 - Leveraging Audience to Fund Indie Game👤 Guest Info:Ryan Laley - Is a notable figure in the game development community, known for his expertise in Unreal Engine. He shares comprehensive tutorials and educational content on YouTube & Twitch, helping thousands of aspiring developers. Ryan is also the founder of Ryan Laley Games and the creator of Mimic, a multiplayer survival horror game built for both players and streamers.🌐YouTube  📸 Instagram🔗 Resources & Mentions:(chronological order of appearance)KSI Sidemen Unreal EngineMimicRyan Laley GamesAmong UsPatreonResident EvilCall of DutyTwitchSteam Deck

What really happens when the person behind your favourite gaming hero finally steps into the booth knowing their voice could change a world, or let down a legion of players?In this episode of ReadyAimFire, actor and comedian Inel Tomlinson brings us into the volatile, high stakes craft of bringing video game characters to life. From embodying the fearless Quartus in Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 to revealing what it’s really like to join an established franchise as the cool-headed Keelan in The First Descendant, Inel pulls back the curtain with warmth and surprising honesty.In this episode you’ll hear:The untold emotional reality of voice acting how actors navigate secrecy, fan expectations, and the fierce vulnerability of creating a character nobody’s met yet.The unsung art of voice direction in games, where scenes are recorded out of order and directors become your “gods” often saving actors’ voices in the process.Find out what it’s like to balance the unpredictable life of a jobbing actor, from surreal filming days with set dogs and Resident Evil mansions, to grappling with the looming threat of AI in creative industries.“It’s a really tough job… you’re having to use your imagination to put yourself there, and it’s up to the voice director to transport you.” — Inel TomlinsonStep into the fire with us this conversation might just change how you think about the stories, voices, and people who shape the games you love. Press play and join the journey.🧭 Timestamps:00:00 - Voiceover Studio for Game Development05:54 - Blueprints: A Unique Mystery Experience08:27 - Unveiling Game Characters Post-Audition10:04 - Voice Director Guides Actor's Performance13:21 -  Joining an Established Franchise Challenges16:52 - Behind-the-Scenes in Gaming19:41 - Wii Motion Control Memories23:14 - Diverse Voices Enrich Gaming26:42 - Balancing Fun and Future Uncertainty30:23 - Real Life Resident Evil Filming35:06 - Challenges of Solo Game Development38:31 - AI Job Market Challenges39:35 - AI's Impact on Video Game Ethics44:22 - Monster Hunter's Growing Popularity48:44 - Celebrating Button Bashing in Gaming50:09 - Horrible Science New Series Launch👤 Guest Info:Inel Tomlinson  is known for his voice work in Space Marine 2, The First Descendant, and other major video game titles. He has appeared on the BAFTA award-winning series Horrible Histories, and continues to work across television, radio and stage. 🌐IMDb  📸 Instagram🔗 Resources & Mentions:(chronological order of appearance)Fractured Space on SteamPinewood Studios Official SiteRed Dwarf Official SiteAldi UKWikipedia: NESWikipedia: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES video game)

After a childhood spent backstage at the opera, what’s it like to find yourself voicing one of gaming’s most unforgettable heroines?This episode, ReadyAimFire welcomes Charlotte McBurney, the BAFTA-nominated actor behind Amicia de Rune in A Plague Tale: Innocence and A Plague Tale: Requiem, and young Jill in Final Fantasy XVI. From a whirlwind of a creative upbringing to stepping into roles that challenge heart and soul, Charlotte takes us through her journey so far, with some hilarious anecdotes and revealing insights.You’ll hear: How Charlotte grew up backstage at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and once ‘kidnapped’ a lollipop lady off the street to perform her own version of The NutcrackerHow the Requiem script was written with Charlotte in mind, after the devs saw what she could do in the first gameWhat Charlotte really thinks about Amicia’s signature slingshot killsWhy she believes actors who truly love games change the medium from within.“I feel very, very deeply connected to Amicia. It's my first character that I ever got to play professionally. We sort of grew up together.” Charlotte McBurneyIf you’re curious as to how a theatrical family pedigree, late-night dinner debates with Yo-Yo Ma, and sheer creative audacity combine to shape one of gaming’s most unforgettable heroines, this episode is for you.🧭 Timestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction to acting: enchanted by the opera stage00:05:05 – Theatre's timeless influence on gaming00:06:36 – Voice acting: the craft of amplifying expressions00:10:12 – Charlotte’s first experience: learning on the job00:15:44 – The emotional toll of voice acting 00:17:09 – A script that brought her to tears: A Plague Tale’s incredible writing 00:21:56 – Surprising similarities: narrative and design in gaming and opera00:25:44 – Discovering gaming through friendship00:28:45 – Charlotte’s favourite game scene in A Plague Tale00:32:30 – Recording Requiem, insights into the process00:35:20 – Amicia de Rune’s journey ends00:37:19 – Siblings vs the Inquisition – and rats!00:39:41 – Why Charlotte loves rats00:44:28 – The power of character: the bond between Charlotte and Amicia00:47:29 – Respected in the room: R&D and game development00:51:27 – The process of performance00:55:27 – Charlotte’s (surprising!) musical instrument of choice58:09 – Solo show: The City for Incurable Women 👤 Guest Info:Charlotte McBurney is known for A Plague Tale: Requiem, A Plague Tale: Innocence, Final Fantasy XVI and podcast series Abridgd... Too Far! She is also part of theatre collective fish in a dress, and is currently appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe in The City for Incurable Women at the Pleasance Courtyard. 🌐IMDb  📸 Instagram🔗 Resources & Mentions:(chronological order of appearance)Chicago Symphony OrchestraLyric Opera of Chicagoa...

What goes down when several creators of a cult classic finally step into the same room – over a decade on from shaping one of gaming’s most terrifying sci-fi experiences?In this special episode of ReadyAimFire, we welcome Anthony Howell and Will Porter, two pivotal forces behind Alien: Isolation alongside our very own Kez, who provided the likeness and performance capture for Amanda Ripley. From the chaos of early table reads to alchemy inside the studio, together they reminisce over the creative process that redefined survival horror – and the Alien franchise itself. You’ll hear:The cast’s first rehearsal felt like “table read for a film”, a rarity in video games, with the entire script in hand before anything was shotWill Porter landed his writing gig after showing a game demo in a pub. He never planned to stay, but became “part of the furniture” for a year and a halfHow Samuel’s iconic “can we see it?” line became a personal favourite of the writing team, living rent-free in their vocabularyKez’s face was scanned for Amanda Ripley, before months later she had to return – just to have her ears scanned!Anthony Howell was gifted a handmade Samuels Christmas ornament by a fan, and proudly hangs it on his tree every year.“The thrill of being part of that franchise was definitely there because it's iconic, it's a huge thing. It was more excitement than nerves.” – Anthony HowellWhether you’re new to the original, or a superfan whetting your appetite for the upcoming Alien: Isolation 2 – this episode’s a timely trip down memory lane, and an insight into the creation of a gaming classic.  🧭 Timestamps:00:00:28 - Alien: Isolation “reunion” – meeting again after over 10 years00:02:38 - Anthony Howell’s surprise: only his second game job00:03:18 - How games were uncharted territory for many UK actors00:05:41 - Project Zomboid’s unique vision and unexpected cult following00:07:31 - Designing vulnerability: traits and accessibility in Zomboid00:08:33 - Will Porter joins Alien: Isolation to provide “overflow writing”00:09:47 - Creative adaptation: writing for evolving game features in real time00:13:53 - “Like a film”: sensations from the first full script table read 00:15:29 - Anthony on acting Samuels: “a good android” and emotional restraint00:17:30 - How Kate Saxon’s theatre background shapes performance direction00:20:11 - The epic “spacewalk” scene – bringing theatre scale to games00:22:45 - Will on the thrill of experiencing RSC actors performing his lines00:24:23 - Being part of something that changes a franchise00:28:08 - The special feeling of performance capture versus ‘just’ voice00:29:00 - Streaming the game: Anthony’s hilarious trouble escaping the pods 00:33:48 - Building fear: rules for vulnerability and horror in game design00:41:06 - Getting her ears scanned - a first for Kez00:42:19 - The real question: how would you survive a zombie (or Alien) attack?  👤 Guest Info:Anthony Howell is an actor who has appeared as lead roles with the RSC as well as on TV in series like Foyle’s War and Outlander. His gaming credits include Black Myth Wukong, Final Fantasy XVI and Margit in the Elden Ring series. 🌐IMDb  📸 InstagramWill Porter has written for many games as well as Alien: Isolation, including No Man’s Sky, Observation and Mafia: Definitive Edition. He’s also the...

Ever wondered what goes on inside the studio for one the most acclaimed game series of all time? In this episode of the ReadyAimFire Podcast, hosts Kez and Tom welcome an extraordinary panel featuring the performance directors, casting directors and localisation experts whose fingerprints are all over Final Fantasy XVI, Alan Wake II,  Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and many more beloved games: Hannah Price, Oli Chance, Morgan Rushton and Martin Vaughan.Dive with us into translation trials, performance tribulations and endless T poses,  as our guests reveal what really happens when scripts are top secret, the pressure is high, and the gaming magic that fans demand has to make it to the screen. You’ll hear:About dramatic graveside scenes with Ben Starr that had directors literally crying in the studio – and they almost didn’t shoot themHow Kez had to snog – with a mocap camera strapped to her face! (Imagine forgetting how to kiss, live on set!)The time Martin had to cast a character described as “Rebel Wilson, Kanye West, and Cristiano Ronaldo, all in one”How performance direction and localisation aren’t just technical roles, but creative, deeply personal crafts, turning even awkward technicalities (like the interruptions of endless T poses) into breakthrough moments.“That's kind of the most magical thing somebody can do, is be in that room in that stupid suit and then give a heartbreaking performance” - Oli ChanceFrom unscripted laughter to bonding over onion rings, this is the emotion, the mess, and the beauty of storytelling in games. Settle back, press play, and enjoy!  🧭 Timestamps:00:01:07 – Introducing the performance team behind Final Fantasy XVI00:03:12 – RADA, BAFTA, and “onion rings on a spike” - forging industry friendships00:05:40 – From theatre to games: Hannah’s transition and juggling specificity00:11:28 – Directing actors through grief – handling vulnerability with care00:15:36 – The essential question that fosters safety in the booth00:17:36 – Talkback gone wrong: the perils of studio silence00:19:39 – Beyond the role – casting for character and chemistry00:24:12 – Unhelpful casting notes and the “Rebel Wilson, Kanye, Ronaldo” brief00:29:24 – Alan Wake II madness: musicals, buses, and Sam Lake’s process00:32:51 – From cleaning toilets to Square Enix: Ollie’s unlikely career start00:36:02 – Cultural shifts: British English and Dragon Quest VIII’s localisation00:41:36 – Translating Japanese dialogue: subtext, literalness, and ellipses00:45:20 – Performance capture puzzles: syncing bodies, voices, and scripts00:49:57 – Game of Thrones meets Final Fantasy XVI – what the game really is00:53:05 – How do you kiss in mocap? Navigating intimate scenes👤 Guest Info:Hannah Price is a performance director, theatre director and filmmaker. Her many credits in gaming include: Alan Wake II, The Division 2, Forza Horizon 4, Hitman 2. 🌐IMDb  📸 InstagramOli Chance is the co-founder of Shloc Limited, localisation and performance specialists. His credits include Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age and several titles in the Inezuma Irebun series. 🌐IMDb  📸

How do you combine the technical disciplines of music, theatre and video games – to help create immersive experiences like Baldur’s Gate 3 that not only thrill, but truly move us?In this episode of ReadyAimFire, join hosts Kezia Burrows and Tom Stacey as they sit down with Kirsty Gillmore: New Zealand-born sound engineer turned acclaimed voice and performance director for some of the industry’s most celebrated titles, including Call of Duty, Valorant and The First Descendant. Discover the winding creative path that led Kirsty from acting and post-production to shaping unforgettable characters and championing emotional safety on set.You’ll hear:Kirsty's personal tips for crafting great performances: from trusting her actors to the essential question that can transform a session The challenges of directing games over a process of sometimes years, from handling developer disagreements to last-minute character additionsKirsty’s journey from games industry newbie to BAFTA BreakthroughHonest reflections on creating safe spaces, advocating for representation, and knowing when to walk away from a project."I want my actors to feel safe physically and I want them to feel safe emotionally as well. Because…safe actors and happy actors will do better work. That’s just a thing, isn’t it?" - Kirsty GillmoreWhether you’re a fan of Baldur’s Gate 3 – or a gamer, actor or director interested in the craft behind great games performances, this episode is as heartfelt and honest as it is insightful. Jump on in and press play. 🧭 Timestamps:00:00:41 – Kirsty’s leap from New Zealand to UK games 00:02:56 – Discovering game direction as a career path 00:04:36 – Kirsty’s advice: immerse yourself, learn from workshops 00:05:42 – How her sound background shapes directing style00:08:56 – Creating safety for actors in mocap volumes 00:10:01 – Why asking “How are you?” transforms a session 00:14:14 – The unexpected impact of Baldur’s Gate 3 performances 00:16:37 – Relatability and diversity in Baldur’s Gate 300:19:16 – Trusting actors’ instincts—letting them lead character journeys 00:20:11 – Navigating direction, line reads, and actor autonomy 00:22:37 – Working with high-profile or celebrity actors in games 00:26:28 – Disagreeing with game directors—when to speak up00:33:23 – Casting do’s and don’ts: bring choices, be flexible 00:35:09 – The importance of respecting games as an art form 00:39:19 – Becoming BAFTA Breakthrough—breaking new ground as a director 00:47:45 – Proud moments: directing difficult, truthful indie game stories👤 Guest Info:Kirsty Gillmore is an acclaimed creative freelance Voice & Performance Director and Casting Director for multi-award winning games, animation and audio drama projects. In 2021 she was selected for the prestigious BAFTA Breakthrough UK programme as a Voice Director for Games.🌐IMDb  📸 Instagram🔗 Resources & Mentions:🔗 Resources & Mentions:(chronological order of appearance)BBC D&D / Dungeons & Dragons Larian Studios (Baldur’s Gate 3 developer) a...

What’s it like to be taken on a hero’s journey – from relative unknowns to gaming royalty? In this episode of the ReadyAimFire Podcast, we’re joined by Tom McKay and Luke Dale: the voices and faces behind Henry of Skalitz and Hans Capon in Kingdom Come: Deliverance and its highly anticipated sequel,  Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.Together with hosts Tom Stacey and Kezia Burrows, Tom and Luke peel back the curtain on what happens when a passionate studio, a committed fanbase and a host of talented creatives combine to create medieval gaming magic.You’ll hear:How Tom and Luke went from ‘mystery’ workshop auditions to embodying iconic roles, including the anxiety of “signing away your face”Stories behind the creation of memorable moments: from precision apple-shooting to not-so-precise hand cannonsThe camaraderie that comes from working almost a decade with a studio that treats everyone like familyThe craft behind KCD2’s evolutionary performance capture – and the comic relief of fighting epic battles with foam swords.“I've never worked with people for this long… Prague and that studio and obviously this game and these characters genuinely have… a really special place in my heart. And that's not PR speak. That's the truth.” - Tom McKayWhether you’re already a Kingdom Come: Deliverance fan or just curious about the creative chaos behind a blockbuster game, this episode dives deep into the process – with some good laughs along the way. Enjoy!  🧭 Timestamps:00:00:46 – How Tom and Luke landed their first game auditions00:03:38 – Giving actors creative input on character development00:07:38 – Being flown to Prague for a game audition00:11:26 – Why Warhorse’s commitment stands out in the industry00:18:24 – Favorite day working on Kingdom Come—emotional highs00:22:55 – Navigating motion capture vs. solitary voiceover00:27:13 – Upgrading to facial capture for the sequel00:33:45 – Doing stunts and fight scenes—actors vs. stunt pros00:34:44 – Who’s real? Playing historical vs. fictional characters00:37:45 – The “dirt system” and lived-in realism in games00:41:51 – Fandom’s role: when catchphrases become iconic00:43:21 – What’s a "roadmap"? Demystifying game development lingo00:50:49 – Strangest fan encounters—blurring game and real life00:52:27 – Experiencing global recognition as a game actor00:54:39 – Why KCD2 could be Game of the Year00:55:16 – Validation for a hard-working, passionate team👤 Guest Info:Tom McKay was born in Solihull, Warwickshire in the UK. He is an actor and writer, known for Imagine Me & You, Kill Command, and for playing Henry of Skalitz in the Kingdom Come: Deliverance games. After graduating from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Luke Dale was the recipient of the Alan Bates Award. As well as roles on Genius, Doctors and Holby City, he's played roles in Battlefield V and is Hans Capon in the Kingdom Come: Deliverance games. Tom: 🌐IMDb  📸 InstagramLuke: 🌐 IMDb   📸 Instagram🔗...

How did one of gaming’s iconic voices get – and nearly lose – his big break as Geralt of Rivia in the Witcher series? In this episode, hosts Kezia Burrows and Tom Stacey are joined by none other than Doug Cockle. Doug takes us behind the scenes of his journey as the legendary Witcher, shares the inspiration behind Geralt’s voice, and reveals the biggest changes he’s witnessed in the games industry over the past two decades.We also delve into Doug’s personal experiences at games conventions (alongside a fan tattoo story you won’t forget), his love of Dungeons & Dragons, and how a chance networking event landed him a role as the god Bhaal in Baldur’s Gate 3. Doug reflects on his time teaching acting, the philosophy behind bringing truth to a character, and even lets slip a few lines as Geralt - including a personal message for Tom. Plus, hear about Doug’s latest adventures with the Natural Six D&D livestream and which Witcher sign he’d pick in real life.You’ll hear:How persistence (and not taking rejection personally) kept Doug in the role of Geralt Doug’s humorous pitches for cameos in the Witcher Netflix series and Cyberpunk 2077 Doug’s latest project, Natural Six, a DND series featuring fellow games talent Ben Starr, Harry McEntire, Aoife Wilson, Hollie Bennett and Alex JordanCareer advice and inspiration for young actors and games professionals. “You have to put a little piece of yourself into it because if you don't, how are you going to find the truth of the character?” – Doug CockleWhether you’re a Witcher superfan or just fascinated by the craft of voice acting, this episode is packed with insights and candid stories from one of gaming’s most beloved voices. 🧭 Timestamps:00:03:26 – Auditioning for Geralt:  ”Make my day”00:04:20 – Courage pays off: when CD Projekt Red tried to re-cast Geralt! 0:07:44 – The Witcher 4: what does Doug know?00:08:13 – Where’s Doug? Cameos that never were #1: Netflix’s The Witcher00:09:54 – Doug’s first part – and the role of improvisation in acting for games00:13:30 – Changes in the industry00:15:19 – Cameos that never were #2: Cyberpunk 207700:17:51 – Roach on the roof (again), a glitch in the Matrix?00:22:32 – Directing stage – an apprenticeship for actors00:24:25 – Recording branched dialogue, voice for player choice00:26:14 – Alan Wake 2 – Nightingale goes nude00:29:34 – Ego in acting – disaster on the set of Marvel’s Captain America00:33:57 – Acting: integrating yourself to find truth00:37:35 – Using an actor’s toolbox00:42:48 – Learning through teaching 00:45:32 – From a BAFTA Games social to Baldur's Gate 3 (thanks to Neil Newbon!) 00:50:01 – Natural Six: behind Doug and the gang’s Kickstarter-funded D&D show👤 Guest Info:Doug Cockle is known for his voice-over roles in videogames, most notably Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher series. He was nominated for a Game Award for Best Performance and won Golden Joystick Award Best Gaming Performance for his portrayal of...

How does someone go from directing Hollyoaks on TV – to directing a BAFTA award-winning games performance in Returnal?In this episode of the ReadyAimFire Podcast, Damien Goodwin joins hosts Kezia Burrows and Tom Stacey to dive deep into the craft of performance direction in video games.Damien shares how his journey unexpectedly shifted from actor and TV director to working on high profile video game titles like Dragon Age: Inquisition, Greedfall, Helldivers 2, and Returnal. The conversation spans chance industry encounters, the evolving nature of game performance, and the increasingly important role of collaborative, actor-centric direction in delivering nuanced, emotionally compelling game narratives.You’ll hear:How a chance encounter on a train got Damien his break in video gamesInsights on the collaboration between director, actor and development team in building a character What it was like directing Returnal, including the intense emotional weight handled by lead actor Jane PerryAdvice for aspiring games performance directors. “No two games are the same in a lot of ways. Your process evolves according to the content that you’re working on.” – Damien GoodwinWhether you’re a fan of heartfelt games performances or curious about breaking into game direction yourself, join us for this insightful episode.🧭 Key Points & Timestamps:00:01:59 – From TV to gaming: Damien’s fortuitous path into the industry00:05:13 – Directing performance–and the essentials of collaboration00:08:01 – The shared language of actors00:11:00 – Actors taking ownership–the created language in Greedfall00:16:05 – Enhancing storytelling where player choice is crucial00:18:27 –  How seamless gameplay and cinematics affect performance00:22:10 – Character development takes time: protecting the actor00:27:07 – Researching for projects (when you’re not a great gamer!) 00:29:08 – Directing VR – surprising casting for PlayStation’s The London Heist00:31:44 – Returnal: an intense journey of discovery   00:35:58 – The impact of games marketing and social media00:39:12 –  Innovative studios and exciting directing00:42:35 – Tech and coding: knowing what you don’t know00:44:53 – Adaptability, the director’s secret weapon00:48:00 – Experiencing the satire of Helldivers 2👤 Guest Info:Damien Goodwin is a film, television and cinematic performance capture and voice director for games. He has worked on many award-winning video games and TV series. Recent games include Helldivers 2, Star Wars Outlaws, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden and Returnal, which won Best Performance BAFTA for Jane Perry in 2022.🌐 LinkedIn   📸 Instagram🔗 Resources & Mentions:Sheffield Crucible TheatreSide (Audio Production for Games)Channel 4 - HollyoaksDragon Age: Inquisition (Official)BioWareThe a...

How does a theatre-trained actor with Welsh roots become one of gaming’s most compelling voices? In this episode of The ReadyAimFire Podcast, hosts Tom Stacey and Kezia Burrows welcome Michael Geary, voice of Warhammer 40,000’s iconic Space Marines and many more.Michael takes us from stage to studio, sharing the art and chaos of recording powerful characters at home (with a makeshift duvet booth and occasionally anxious neighbours), the joy of playing everything from sentient mushrooms to mighty heroes, and why authenticity, inclusion and fun are central to a great performance.You’ll hear:What it’s really like to voice epic game roles – and why even orcs sometimes sound WelshThe technical and emotional craft behind world-class voice actingCandid reflections on building a creative life in games, and the importance of mentorship and playThe time Michael almost threw up in the booth – and it made the game! "You can literally play any character… It’s a democratising process, being a voice actor." – Michael GearyIt’s not just about the games – it’s about the people who shape them. Join us for this warm, witty, and inspiring episode.🧭 Key Points & Timestamps:00:02:23 – Stumbling into voiceover – advice that changed everything00:03:04 – DIY home studio – and warning the neighbours00:05:12 – Why voice acting is “democratizing” for performers00:06:49 – The struggle and pride of voicing Welsh characters in games00:09:42 – From theatre to games: Breaking down old stigmas 00:10:39 – How games lead inclusion in entertainment00:12:01 – Teaching audio: letting actors “play” with their limits00:13:55 – Looking after your voice: honest truths and practical tips00:15:52 – How a theatre background shapes games performance 00:18:02 – Accidental practice: cold-reading from “sales” and shop signs00:21:00 – LAN parties, Left 4 Dead, and gaming socials00:28:43 – Finding characters – turning breakdowns into monologues00:31:01 – The madness of Warhammer 40K, explained in a minute00:33:37 – Warhammer audiobooks: big, weird words and lore obsession00:47:12 – AI in games: what can (and can’t) be replaced?👤 Guest Info:Michael Geary is a seasoned actor with a background in theatre, film and TV, and AAA games. His work includes Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, Total War: Warhammer III, and numerous roles spanning other franchises. He also teaches and mentors actors in how to use their bodies and voices as tools of authentic performance.🌐 Website   📸 Instagram🔗 Resources & Mentions:Warhammer 40,000 (Warhammer 40k)Warhammer: Total War – Thrones of BritanniaBAFTADamn Good VoicesIsovoxGreedFall

What does it take to give a video game character a soul – and what happens when that performance touches hearts around the world?In this premiere episode of ReadyAimFire, we sit down with Devora Wilde, the actor behind Lae’zel in the award-winning Baldur’s Gate 3, for an in-depth conversation into her craft and her most beloved character. From muddling through technical challenges to discovering her own voice, Devora opens up about the wild, unpredictable, and deeply human ride of bringing one of gaming’s most complex companions to life.Discover how four and a half years behind the mic – and a self-tape filmed in a living room – led to one of gaming’s most polarising, unforgettable heroines.Hear the true impact of storytelling as Devora shares how fans’ lives have been changed, sometimes “more than years of therapy,” by the journey of her character.Get an unfiltered look at performance capture, improvisation, and collaborating through unexpected personal moments (including recording days before giving birth!)."Sometimes I feel like I just went in and said the words… and then to have people so passionate about these characters—it’s kind of blown my mind." - Devora WildeSettle in and hit play. This is The ReadyAimFire Podcast, bringing you the stories behind your favourite games, from the people who make them.🧭 Key Points & Timestamps:00:00:22 – Guest reactions: Not knowing about nudity filters00:02:30 – Explaining Baldur’s Gate 3 in one sentence00:03:32 – How Lae’zel is misunderstood – Devora’s emotional lens00:04:57 – Polarised player reactions to Lae’zel00:08:10 – Four and a half years of performance capture00:11:20 – Surprise: Voice actors for talking cats00:16:43 – Finding fulfilment in games vs. TV/film00:17:22 – Gaming’s “golden age” and the power of writing00:18:43 – Advice for actors breaking into games00:21:24 – How romance scenes were actually performed00:25:01 – Recording mocap for Baldur’s Gate 3 while pregnant00:28:36 – Flexibility: Balancing TV, pregnancy, and game work00:30:40 – Collaborating with writers – character evolving with performance00:32:09 – Voice transformation: Lae’zel’s vocal journey00:38:19 – Most unusual convention fan moments00:49:10 – Players tell Devora: “Lae’zel helped more than years of therapy”👤 Guest: Devora WildeDevora Wilde is an actor celebrated for her powerful and nuanced performances. She is best known to gamers as the voice and performance actor behind Lae’zel in Baldur’s Gate 3, delivering a bold, layered portrayal that helped shape one of the game’s most iconic characters. Beyond BG3, her work includes appearances in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom LIberty, Split Fiction and Dragon’s Dogma II, as well as a diverse range of TV and film roles.🌐 Website (https://www.devorawilde.com) 📸 Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/devora_wilde)🔗 Resources & Mentions:Baldur's Gate 3Dungeons & DragonsDragon's Dogma 2PitStop Productions (studio)a...

Fall in love with your favourite video games all over again.In this very first episode of The ReadyAimFire Podcast, hosts Tom Stacey and Kezia Burrows introduce the show and share why they’re bringing the incredible people behind our favourite games — actors, directors, developers and creatives — into the spotlight.🎙️ In this episode:🔸 What The ReadyAimFire Podcast is all about🔸 Why storytelling, performance, and creativity deserve more attention in gaming🔸 Kez’s journey in Alien: Isolation — and why strong female leads matter🔸 Tom’s adventures producing games content around the world🔸 Dream guests (yes, Elijah Wood and Andy Serkis make the list)🔸 Why the games industry, places like BAFTA Games and this podcast are about building community.Whether you’re a die-hard gamer or just beginning your gaming journey, this podcast is for you: a place to learn, laugh, and meet the creatives shaping the stories you play.🔗 Listen & Subscribe:🎧 Spotify: https://readyaimfire.tv/spotify🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://readyaimfire.tv/apple▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadyAimFireStudio🌍 Website & Email Sign-Up: https://readyaimfire.tv 📱 Follow ReadyAimFire:Instagram: @readyaimfirestudioTikTok: @readyaimfirestudioTwitter/X: @rdymfrLinkedIn: ReadyAimFireBluesky: readyaimfire.bsky.social New episodes drop every other week.Subscribe now and discover the stories behind games you love.Listen to ReadyAimFire Copyright 2025 ReadyAimFire