Celebrities have slowly been edging their way into the world of video games since the early '90s, with Dana Plato having one of the first recorded appearances, appearing in the movie video game Night Trap. Ever since stars have just been getting bigger and more frequent roles in some of the biggest franchises in gaming.
Obviously, most of these games are heavily story-based, with today's technology letting performers give full performances with motion capture. Stories span across many genres though, from First Person Shooters to Role-Playing Games. Opening up the doors to some of the most immersive tales ever told, actors are bringing the scripts to life in a way never seen before.
10 Call Of Duty: Infinite Warfare – Kit Harington
Deciding to truly show his range, Kit Harington takes on the role of a ruthless insurgent group that aims to take over the universe. Seemingly sick of playing the good guy, Harington used the Call Of Duty title to show off his motion-capture skills as the arch-nemesis.
Really digging into the role, Salen Kotch is one of the most ruthless and manipulative characters in the series, one who will stop at nothing in his goal to take over the solar system by any means necessary. Providing a very hatable figure to chase after through the campaign, Kotch believes much of his own propaganda to the very end.
9 Cyberpunk 2077 – Keanu Reeves
Joining the Cyberpunk series in full form, Keanu Reeves is Johnny Silverhand. The military veteran turned band leader will be a part of the protagonist's consciousness, woven directly into the experience and acting as the player's guide throughout the game.
Apparently, Reeves made a real connection to the character because he doubled the screen time of Johnny after a talk with Cd Projekt Red. Giving fans much more Reeves than originally planned, players get one of the most charismatic guides around through the dystopian future.
8 Until Dawn – Rami Malek
Uncredited for his background character work in Halo 2, it was time for Malek to step into the video game spotlight. He assumes the role of Josh, one of the world's most elaborate pranksters. A seriously disturbed kid who's twin sisters had gone missing the year prior.
Playing 2 completely different sides of the same coin in one game was an impressive feat. The game's fractured parts make for a diverse role that uses both his voice and likeness, giving fans of the actor quite the shock to see him so accurately represented.
7 Castlevania: Lord Of Shadows – Patrick Stewart
Another antagonist role that sees Patrick Stewart embody the role of Zobek in Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow and the sequel. Serving as both an antagonist and friend, the character wears many different hats throughout the course of the titles, even narrating certain parts of the protagonist's journey.
A much more central role than fans would expect from the Grammy award-winning actor, Stewart also won the VGX award for his role in Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. One of the most unexpected figures to pop up in recent years, video games are including some of the biggest screen stars available.
6 GTA: San Andreas – Samuel L. Jackson
Out of all the antagonistic character's played by the Hollywood elite, Samuel L. Jackson as Frank Tenpenny is the best suited. All those years as morally questionable characters and his years of theatre created the perfect actor to play San Andreas's corrupted cop.
Players are somehow working for the good guys in this one while still being criminal, taking down those at the top that is only making it worse. One of the most popular characters in the franchise history, it looks like they made a wise choice casting the straightforward star.
5 Metal Gear Solid V – Kiefer Sutherland
With this title taking on some significantly heavier material than the previous games, the designer wanted the character to be a little more subtle. The 24 actor seemed like a perfect fit as the game portrays an older and more emotionally complex Solid Snake.
Even though Sutherland had only heard of the series, he was still aware of the magnitude of the character and how successful the games were without even playing. Not his first rodeo in the video game scene though, playing Sgt. Roebuck in Call Of Duty: World At War.
4 Batman: Arkham Asylum – Mark Hamill
Clearly fans of the animated series, Arkham Asylum creators put Mark Hamill in the Joker's seat yet again. Reclaiming the iconic role for the highly-rated trilogy, it seems Hamill is the king of the fantasy geeks. Playing the Trickster in two versions of The Flash, the DC universe is never too far away.
It doesn't seem to be the video games so much as the character, dancing between worlds while following the character into whatever medium presents itself. He's made his mark in two of the most popular fandoms that exist today, Arkham Asylum being but one of many.
3 Beyond: Two Souls – Willem Dafoe & Ellen Page
Nathan Dawkins is a misguided scientist hell-bent on bringing his deceased family back to life. Willen Dafoe is one of the best at making a character feel sinister and uncomfortable, the perfect combination for the single-minded character who will stop at nothing to accomplish his depressing goal.
Dafoe was not the only famous actor Beyond: Two Souls, as Ellen Page played as his main focus throughout the title. The decision to use motion capture for both performances brings the game to life, especially when it comes to the unique facial features that Willem Dafoe brings to the table.
2 Death Stranding – Norman Reedus
Hideo Kojima has a knack for attracting big-name celebrities to his projects, this time in the way of Conan O'Brien and Norman Reedus. Still filming his smash hit The Walking Dead in between producing the game, Reedus's role in the game is far more self-focused.
Reedus's first outing in the video game world outside of The Walking Dead, the actor was shocked at how much went into making such a story-driven game. Much like Norman himself, players will journey through this brand new world with Sam Bridges and discover the landscape alongside him.
1 Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Sean Bean
A match made in heaven, the fantasy sacrificial lamb makes his mark in Oblivion's sprawling landscape. Taking on a much meeker character than fans are used to, Martin Septim is the sole heir to an empty throne.
No slouch in the bravery department, it is Martin who leads the Defenses into battle with no experience. Of course, it wouldn't feel right if Sean Bean managed to make it through the entirety of a story, ultimately cementing his legacy with a final heroic sacrifice to cap things off.