Alex Jordan's Journey: From Aspiring Actor to Voice Acting Maestro in 'The Alters'

Unveiling the Man Behind the Voices: Alex Jordan's Odyssey in 'The Alters'

The Road Not Taken: A Near-Encounter with Westeros

Before his recent triumph in 'The Alters,' Alex Jordan found himself on the cusp of an iconic role in Telltale's 'Game of Thrones' adventure. He auditioned for the part of Tyrion Lannister, a role that ultimately went to the celebrated Peter Dinklage. Jordan recounted this experience with a touch of humor, acknowledging that if he were to lose out on such a coveted role, Dinklage was certainly a worthy successor.

From Aspirations to Accolades: Jordan's Ascending Career Trajectory

Despite not securing the Tyrion role, Jordan's talent didn't go unnoticed. He was cast as Asher Forrester in the same Telltale game, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Since then, he has consistently worked in the gaming industry for over a decade, accumulating more than a hundred roles. Yet, he admits to a persistent inner critic, driving him to constantly seek fresh and unique interpretations for each character he embodies.

The Genesis of a Voice Actor: From YouTube Impressions to Professional Acting

Jordan's foray into the world of performance began during his teenage years, deeply immersed in YouTube's early days. He honed his craft by creating impressions of popular characters, amassing a significant following by 2008. This online presence caught the attention of a British actor, Terry Mynott, who facilitated a meeting with an agent, leading to Jordan's professional signing and subsequent enrollment in drama school.

The Demands of 'The Alters': Embracing a Multitude of Personalities

Jordan's extensive career paved the way for his most challenging project yet: 'The Alters.' In this survival simulation by 11 Bit Studios, he voices Jan Dolski and 11 distinct alternate versions of the character, known as Alters. Stranded on a hostile alien planet, Jan and his Alters must collaborate to survive. Jordan described the project as immensely demanding, requiring him to imbue each Alter with a unique personality and nuanced traits.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting Distinct Voices for Each Alter

11 Bit Studios provided Jordan with comprehensive information about the game from the outset, a transparency he greatly appreciated, recognizing its importance in finding the right actor for such a complex undertaking. The process of recording involved a dynamic back-and-forth, with Jordan switching between different Alters' perspectives, then responding as the main Jan, effectively engaging in a dialogue with himself.

The Botanist's Challenge: Navigating Emotional Depths and Vocal Nuances

Among the various Alters, the Botanist presented a particular challenge for Jordan. This character, who can play a significant role depending on player choices, required a specific vocal placement and emotional range. Jordan explained that the Botanist's voice, often tinged with sadness and anger, demanded careful control to prevent it from becoming one-dimensional.

The Emotional Toll: The Actor's Journey Through Intense Feelings

Voice acting, especially for emotionally charged scenes, can take a significant toll on an actor. Jordan elaborated on how embodying characters experiencing profound emotions, such as grief or joy, can trick the brain into releasing corresponding chemicals. This constant emotional fluctuation, particularly over extended recording periods, can lead to mental exhaustion, leaving actors craving solitude and emotional respite.

An Unexpected Crescendo: Jordan's Musical Revelation in 'The Alters'

During the extensive recording sessions for 'The Alters,' which spanned two and a half years and accumulated an estimated 420 hours of dialogue, Jordan was unexpectedly tasked with singing. This came as a surprise, as he had previously lacked confidence in his singing abilities, a sentiment rooted in critical feedback from his youth and drama school experiences.

Triumph Over Insecurity: Finding a Voice Through 'The Alters'

Despite his initial apprehension, Jordan embraced the musical challenge. He intentionally varied the singing quality for different Alters, some sounding intentionally less polished, others more refined. The overwhelmingly positive public response to the game's musical sequence, including fan-made lyric and piano versions, ultimately helped Jordan overcome his long-standing insecurities about his singing voice.

Acclaim and Self-Reflection: Navigating Success and Inner Doubt

'The Alters' has garnered widespread critical acclaim, with Jordan's performance receiving particular praise and even a Golden Joystick Award nomination. Despite this recognition, Jordan continues to grapple with the immense pressure he places on himself to create unique voices for every role. He's recently begun to acknowledge that this pursuit, while admirable, may be unsustainable, a realization supported by conversations with fellow actors. Ultimately, Jordan has learned that the emotional authenticity of his performance is paramount, a lesson that has profoundly shaped his approach to voice acting.