In November 2025, the TopMob Gaming team visited Target3D’s motion-capture studio in East London to learn how actors create game characters. Industry veterans Jennifer English, Samantha Béart, Luisa Guerreira, and Doug Cockle guided them through the process.
You can also find a summary of the event and a complete interview with the team on the TopMob Gaming YouTube channel – definitely check those out!
We also had the chance to interview each of them individually, starting with Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt from The Witcher games. You can watch the complete interview in the video above, or on our YouTube channel.
Given his impressive career, we wanted to know how it all started, and surprisingly, it almost happened by chance.
Growing up, video games weren’t like they are today – they didn’t have characters speaking,” explains Cockle, recalling the early days of games like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man.
He explains that he never considered the possibility of a game having such well-developed, realistic characters while he was training as an actor. However, he quickly realized that the world of video games offered a whole new range of creative possibilities.
I remember when I first heard of Elias Toufexis – he actually got his start in gaming as Cal, the main character in Independence War 2: Edge of Chaos back in 2001. It’s cool to see where these actors begin their careers!
Cockle remembers that when he began his career, training resources like performance capture classes or motion capture workshops didn’t exist. He learned everything through practical experience while working on projects.
So, I’ve been hearing that if you’re trying to get into acting for games, there are actually workshops now where you can learn things like how to hit a perfect T-pose or A-pose in just a weekend! It’s pretty wild – they’re teaching you the basics of posing for motion capture, which is something I definitely didn’t have access to when I started.
Beyond video games, Cockle has also worked in film, television, and theatre. He particularly enjoys performance capture, describing it as similar to being in a play. He explains that traditional on-screen acting feels more restrictive, requiring actors to stay within specific boundaries for camera focus and storytelling purposes, whereas performance capture allows for greater freedom of movement.
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Although some of the same principles apply to performance capture, Cockle believes it feels fundamentally different, more akin to a theatrical performance. He explains that there’s greater freedom because multiple cameras capture everything, eliminating the need to focus on precise eyelines. Actors can simply concentrate on delivering their performance.
Cockle wasn’t new to the techniques used in performance capture. His experience with theatre – including movement, voice work, and traditional acting – had already equipped him with the necessary skills. He explained that performance and motion capture rely on the same core abilities as stage acting, making his background excellent preparation for the work.
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Despite his extensive training, Alan Cockle encountered some unexpected challenges. He shared that one of the strangest things he’s ever done for a role was getting a 3D scan of his mouth and teeth to create the character Nightingale in Alan Wake 2.
So, I recently went to this dentist near Liverpool Street, and the whole experience was amazing! They had me sit down, and then used this really cool technology – they did a complete 3D scan of my mouth, teeth, lips, everything! It was so detailed, it really felt next level.
As for why?
“No idea.”
Regarding Remedy Entertainment’s 2023 survival horror game, the voice actor explains he hasn’t had a chance to play it yet, but intends to. He says the main obstacle is simply finding the time – a common struggle for gamers everywhere.
Even with a busy schedule, Cockle still finds time for gaming. He says he’s been playing ‘Little Kitty Big City’ on his Steam Deck, but usually only gets around 30 minutes to play at a time.
Doug claims he’s finished the main story of The Witcher 3, though he’s still completing the additional downloadable content. He admits the game took him six months to beat, and he jokingly says he had to neglect his family on Saturdays to make the time.
Cockle says he’s spent around 180 hours playing, and he’s a very meticulous player. He thoroughly searches every area for hidden items and takes his time examining everything. He prioritizes staying alive and prefers a cautious approach, unlike players who rush through the game and rely on luck.
But, how is it to listen to yourself in a game for hundreds of hours?
Cockle admits that sometimes while rewatching his performance as Geralt, he’d think, ‘I could have delivered that line better,’ or ‘that didn’t quite sound right.’ He clarifies, though, that this is simply him being self-critical of his own work.
While it’s fun for Cockle, some might expect his family and friends to find his hobby strange, but that’s not the case, as he explains. “My dad, bless his heart, occasionally goes into a GameStop, buys a copy of The Witcher 3, and brings it to the counter.”
He asked if they’d like to meet Geralt’s father. They responded, confused, asking if he meant Vesemir. He clarified that he was talking about Geralt’s biological father, and then revealed, ‘My son is Geralt of Rivia.’
Cockle reckons his dad does it when he wants a “little extra attention”.
The Witcher started as a series of books and games, but it’s become much more popular thanks to the four seasons now available on Netflix. Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt in the games, shared that he’s noticed many new fans discovering the games after watching the TV show.
Regarding Geralt’s role in the next Witcher game, Doug Cockle, the voice actor, is keeping things close to the vest. He admits he doesn’t know what the future holds for his character, and even if he did, he wouldn’t reveal it.
Cockle hinted that Geralt will return in The Witcher 4, but the extent of his role is still unknown. He pointed out that if Ciri appears older in the next game, Geralt would likely be older as well, but he refrained from speculating further, stating he wouldn’t offer any unconfirmed guesses.
Because he’s spent so much time with The Witcher, Cockle says becoming Geralt feels completely natural. He’s even caught himself acting like the character at home, muttering things like, ‘Ugh, I have to do the dishes,’ or wondering where his socks are, as if he just had them a moment before.
All said, Doug Cockle feels as if “Geralt is just kind of a part of me now”.
Authors
Cole Luke is a freelance journalist and video creator who works with TopMob Gaming. His work also appears in publications like Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, and Network N.
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2026-03-06 17:36