Video Game Actors Deserve More: Neil Newbon Calls for Change in the Industry!

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2025 at the BAFTA Games Awards, Neil Newbon, who played a key role in Baldur’s Gate 3, unveiled the inspiration driving his Pixel Pack undertaking.

In case you’re not acquainted, the Pixel Pack is a project Newbon has been leading more recently, working together with Entertainment Weekly.

Earlier this year, we unveiled The Pixel Pack – a captivating showcase featuring interviews and stunning visuals that delve into the challenges experienced by video game performers within their professional field.

Newbon gathered a stellar team of video game voice actors to increase visibility about the challenges they encounter and showcase the fantastic efforts they make in bringing your beloved games to reality.

In the video displayed, it’s apparent that Newbon was eager to discuss the project during the red carpet interviews at the British Academy Games Awards.

As a passionate gamer, I proudly share my brainchild – the Pixel Pack. It’s a concept that sprang to life in my gaming mindscapes last year. What astounded me was discovering that no one else had thought of it before!

I wanted to initiate a discussion about how game actors are essentially no different from TV, film, and theater actors. We’re all actors in our own right, and we shouldn’t be pigeonholed as ‘voice actors’ or any other specific label.

I appreciate when people acknowledge the effort and difficulty involved in creating such crafts, and also value our work equally with everyone else. Additionally, I find the topic of artificial intelligence performance to be both astounding yet tedious.

I simply want to emphasize that these are the individuals who craft engaging roles that both performers and audiences deeply resonate with. So let’s ensure they continue to be employed and productive.

In discussing the disparities faced by video game actors versus their counterparts in television and cinema, Newbon pointed out: “The compensation isn’t equal. This is quite significant, I’d argue, when comparing TV, film, and other mediums; we are not compensated nearly as much.

Additionally, AI’s impact on performance in films, television, and theater isn’t as significant a concern, in my opinion. Therefore, it seems there is a distinct variation between these mediums and AI capabilities.

It’s worth noting that Newbon emphasized that numerous performers aren’t confined to just video games; instead, they often engage in various media.

In addition, Newbon shared a tale that he previously narrated during the EW feature. This tale takes us back to an incident on set from several years ago, when a team member casually informed him, “The actual performers will be arriving tomorrow.

Newbon recounted, “I can still recall clearly both the person and the location. This incident took place quite some time back, perhaps around 12 or even 10 years ago. Someone made this statement directly to me.

Upon seeing, I exclaimed, ‘Hello, have you noticed? We’ve conversed at length. In truth, anyone taking on a performing role can be considered an actor.”

“When I saw him, I said hello and pointed out, ‘We’ve chatted a lot. You know, anybody playing a part is an actor.’

It seems clear that each of you has unique abilities and backgrounds, yet education is crucial for everyone. Performers serve to elevate a story, so treating them equally is key. So, regardless of your past performances such as Shakespeare, let’s remember this as a significant moment.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Alix Wilton Regan and Abubakar Salim, esteemed members of the innovative Pixel Pack, whose game Tales of Kenzera: Zau was honored with the Game Beyond Entertainment award. Here’s what they shared about the initiative.

According to Wilton Regan, “The Pixel Pack was developed since Neil Newbon, being an influential figure and creative genius in the industry, approached me.

In reference to the recruitment process, she mentioned: “Neil asked, ‘Shall I count on you for the shoot?’ To which I replied, ‘I’d be delighted and feel privileged to participate.’

Additionally, it was quite an honor for me! I had the pleasure of meeting numerous delightful individuals whom I hadn’t previously encountered, as well as reconnecting with old acquaintances. This experience has been quite transformative. It’s truly a brilliant idea!

Salim reminisced about a related incident where Neil shared an idea: “Neil presented the concept to me, and he was quite transparent about his vision, which essentially boiled down to ‘Hey, we aim to give video game actors visibility, recognition, and voice in this field. Would you like to join us?’

Indeed, it resonated with me. This is about safeguarding our privileges – deciding the role of AI in our lives. It’s essential that we are treated equally and with respect, just as every developer deserves. I consider myself fortunate to have been invited to contribute to this collective.

Regarding the future of the Pixel Pack after its global introduction, Newbon mentioned: “We’ve just started. There are more exciting plans for this product in store.

Let me clarify, it seems we are figuring out the optimal path forward regarding this concept. I strongly think we might be able to arrange another shoot towards the end of the year, if everything goes as planned.

Additionally, we aim to explore possibilities such as mentorship programs, which would enable us to assist aspiring actors in breaking into the gaming industry. Furthermore, our goal is to provide support to those who have been actively involved in game work for many years, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve, extending beyond their work within the games themselves.

Of course, we’ll closely follow the progress of this project with much anticipation! Following the BAFTA event, Ben Starr, a member of Pixel Pack, stole the show, while Astro Bot took home the top prize.

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2025-04-09 18:06