Pursuing a Career on a Dare | Black Voices Progress Report

As part of GamesIndustry.biz's Black Voices Progress Report, Danielle McRae discusses her experiences in the gaming sector. McRae's interest in voice acting began at a young age, but her parents had mixed reactions when she shared her aspirations. Her father encouraged her to pursue her dreams, while her mother cautioned her about the potential impact of her skin color on her career. Despite these concerns, McRae has become a successful voice actress, lending her voice to characters in League of Legends, World of Warcraft, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake, among others. Her passion for video games, sparked by playing Metal Gear Solid, helped her discover her interest in voice acting. A friend's dare led McRae to take voice-over classes, which ultimately launched her career. She recalls her initial struggles with the audition process, where directors would sometimes ask her to adopt a specific "urban" tone, which she found limiting and stereotypical. However, McRae has noticed a shift in the industry, with casting directors increasingly seeking diverse talent and judging actors based on their skills rather than their ethnicity. While she acknowledges that there is still progress to be made, McRae is heartened by the growing awareness and inclusivity in the industry. She hopes for a future where Black professionals can succeed without facing additional barriers, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.