Pursuing a Career on a Dare: The Journey of Danielle McRae

This interview is part of the Black Voices Progress Report, a project by GamesIndustry.biz that explores the diverse experiences of Black professionals in the games sector. Danielle McRae's interest in voice acting began at a young age, but her parents' reactions were mixed. Her father encouraged her to pursue her dreams, while her mother expressed concerns about the potential impact of her skin color on her career prospects. McRae recalls, 'As a Black kid growing up, you automatically think about whether you'll be hired based on your skin tone.' Despite these concerns, McRae's passion for voice acting and video games drove her to take a voice-over class, which led to her first professional opportunities. She booked her first role in League of Legends just a few months after taking the class, followed by roles in World of Warcraft and SkullGirls. McRae acknowledges that her success may seem like an 'overnight sensation,' but she recognizes that many actors face longer and more challenging journeys. She notes that the games industry has made progress in recent years, with casting directors increasingly seeking diverse talent and judging actors based on their talent rather than their appearance. However, McRae still encounters instances of stereotyping and bias, particularly during the audition process. She believes that the industry needs to continue working towards greater inclusivity and equality, where Black professionals can succeed without facing additional barriers. McRae concludes, 'I long for the day when Black people don't have to work 10, 20, 30 times harder than their white peers to achieve the same level of success.'