Andy Serkis Reflects on the Evolving Perception of Video Game Acting Since Heavenly Sword’s Release

It’s an exciting time to be an actor in the gaming world. The new CEO of Xbox is navigating the tricky waters of exclusivity with caution and authority, and the Switch may have just taken a significant hit in its quest to surpass the PlayStation 2 as the best-selling console of all time.

In the latest gaming news roundup, I’m still processing the flood of updates from Japan and reflecting on the new Star Fox. We’re just regular folks, just innocent gamers.

“My first experience with video games was with a studio called Ninja Theory, where we created Heavenly Sword for PlayStation 3,” Andy Serkis, who portrayed the antagonist King Bohan, shared in a recent interview. “Back then, actors often dismissed video games, thinking, ‘I wouldn’t want to be part of that.’ Now, fresh graduates from drama schools are eager to jump into video games.”

Currently promoting his new adaptation of Animal Farm, which has received mixed reviews, Serkis also starred in last year’s popular RPG alongside other notable talents. He noted that the stigma surrounding acting in games has faded, especially as films increasingly draw from gaming technology and narratives.

“It’s ironic that Hollywood is now using video game engines to create previews for major action sequences and for cinematographers to precisely position light sources in shots,” he explained.

The Gollum actor added, “It’s become a vital tool in modern filmmaking. The snobbery that once existed about video games being inferior to film is changing. Looking ahead, we’re moving toward more immersive storytelling, which is already happening.”

According to a recent report, the new leadership at Xbox is carefully assessing the platform’s legacy and exploring options for exclusive games without rushing into major changes. “Sources indicate that the new CEO is evaluating various strategies for exclusivity, which has been a contentious topic among fans, especially given the ambiguity surrounding Microsoft’s approach over the past couple of years.”

The Switch is projected to sell 2 million units in 2026, bringing its total to 158 million. That’s still 2 million shy of the PS2, which Sony recently confirmed has sold 160 million units. However, with the Switch 2 priced at $500, some gamers might opt for the previous generation, especially considering its impressive library of titles.

The online shooter Project Ethosis is undergoing significant changes after a disappointing beta in 2024. “Our success hinges on our ability to adapt quickly,” stated studio head Ben Brinkman in a memo to staff. “To achieve this, we’ve made the tough choice to downsize our team to better align with our current development stage, which unfortunately means saying goodbye to some valued colleagues.”

The upcoming update, titled Return of the Ancients, is set to launch on May 29. Grinding Gear has confirmed it will be the final major update before the action-RPG sequel reaches its 1.0 release. This update will feature a revamped Atlas Tree, two new Ascendancy classes, five new storylines, and 15 new bosses, along with various enhancements and quality-of-life improvements.

In other news, an engineer from Sony’s IP preservation team has sparked excitement for potential returns of classic PlayStation titles with a social media post. “Sharing our vision and aspirations with Sony leadership was a significant moment for our team, and I’m eager to see where we go from here,” he wrote, accompanied by a presentation slide showcasing logos for Sly Cooper and Ape Escape.