Actor Andy Serkis said Hollywood's longstanding snobbery toward video game acting is changing as the medium gains artistic recognition [1].
This shift in perception marks a pivotal moment for the intersection of cinema and gaming. As high-fidelity performances become central to storytelling in interactive media, the distinction between traditional screen acting and performance capture is disappearing.
Serkis, known for his work as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, discussed the evolution of the industry in an interview with Variety [4]. He said there was a time when the film industry viewed gaming with disdain. "At that point, actors looked down on video games," Serkis said [3].
He specifically highlighted the RPG "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" as an example of the medium's current quality [1]. Serkis praised the game's artistic direction and the success it has achieved. "I love the idea but I love the visuals of it. I just thought it was beautiful and I'm so thrilled for their success," Serkis said [4].
The actor said that the skill required for motion capture and voice work in games is equivalent to traditional performance. He said that he does not see any difference between that and acting in films, on stage, or TV [2].
This transition comes as more A-list talent moves into the gaming space, driven by the technical capabilities of modern engines and the massive reach of global gaming audiences. The success of visually ambitious titles like Expedition 33 serves as a catalyst for this change, bridging the gap between cinematic prestige and digital interactivity.
“"At that point, actors looked down on video games."”
The endorsement of video games by a pioneer of performance capture like Andy Serkis signals a broader cultural legitimization of the medium. As the industry moves away from seeing games as mere toys and toward viewing them as a valid venue for prestige acting, it will likely lead to more high-profile collaborations and a higher standard of narrative performance in gaming.
