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[ArtHands]

Gamers Drawn to Troy Baker's Mesmerising Indiana Jones Like Moths to Flame

And Todd Howard's palpable disdain

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A prestigious voice actor with incredible range, Troy Baker has dominated the video game voice acting industry for nearly two decades and keeps booking new gigs. But it's not just video game developers who are enamoured with the charismatic leading man; even during a blind casting for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, test audiences comprised of gamers couldn't help but be drawn to his undeniable talent, like moths to a flame.

In an expansive interview with the BBC (thanks, PC Gamer), Baker, who is best known for portraying Joel Miller in The Last of Us (but remains BioShock Infinite's Booker DeWitt to this scribe), revealed the disdain Bethesda boss Todd Howard showed when his name was put forward for the role of Indiana Jones. Howard had long dreamed of making an authentic game based on the legendary IP and "rolled his eyes" at the suggestion, feeling Baker's voice would ruin the experience for players used to it.

Baker got no special treatment and was made to audition alongside dozens of others, ultimately making it to the final two. The actor says it came down to a "blind taste test" for captive audiences. Afterwards, Howard told the actor that "they picked you every time," which Baker first took as a compliment, but it seems it was not meant as one. Howard said: "No, it's a challenge. That's the standard."

 

[jason10mm]

He nails it. Feels like Ford without being an impression. And the writing nails Indy, which certainly helps. If anything could be better it's more facial expressions.

An animated film with Troy as indy would be sublime!

 

[consoul]

Troy Baker nails Harrison Ford.
Erotic fanfic.

 

[adamsapple]

Not surprising, it's his career best work easily.

 

[Punished Miku]

Howard's attitude is 100% on point.

Baker just straight up earned it. The accuracy of the impression and the seemingly insignificant vocal quirks that get mimicked perfectly is truly amazing. Baker is overplayed but he has some really amazing lesser known work that shows how talented he is. Joker. Also the main villain in The Medium (no one would guess this one). His work in Indiana Jones is up near the very top of his stuff.

 

[Calico345]

It sounds like the author is in love with Troy Baker.

 

[Gonzito]

I dont like him much but I have to admit that he has done an amazing job in the game

 

[Mossybrew]

I have a lot of respect for Troy's talents but if you had asked me if he could really embody Indy, I'd be like, that's just too tough an assignment. But he nailed it, impressive indeed.