Troy Baker: Still Just Getting Started
For nearly two decades, Troy Baker has been a defining voice in both the anime and gaming worlds. From iconic roles in The Last of Us and Death Stranding to his recent work in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Baker’s talent is undeniable. Yet, despite his incredible success, he believes he’s only just begun to scratch the surface of his potential.
Speaking with GamesRadar+ ahead of the BAFTA Games Awards 2026, Baker shared his perspective on the continuous learning process inherent in acting. He emphasizes that each role is an opportunity to refine his craft and deliver an even more compelling performance next time.
The Pursuit of Perfection
Baker is celebrated for his ability to portray characters with profound emotional depth, notably Joel Miller in The Last of Us and its sequel, Sam Drake in Uncharted 4, and Booker DeWitt in BioShock Infinite. However, he views each role not as a culmination of skill, but as a stepping stone.
“I still feel like I just got started,” Baker confessed. “At the end of every job, no matter the size or scope… my last session is always the one where I go, ‘OK, now I’ve got it figured out. Can we start?’ I always feel like I’ve got one take in me, one better take, one other idea.”
He explains that this feeling isn’t unique to him, but is a common experience among actors. The key, he’s learned, is to apply the lessons from each project to the next, constantly striving for improvement. “The goal is then take that lesson that I learned from this project, and apply it to the next, and realize that I will be in better service to the next project if I learn as much as I can from the last one.”
A Prolific Career and Future Projects
If you’ve played a AAA game released since 2010, chances are you’ve heard Troy Baker’s voice. He’s particularly known for his close collaborations with Naughty Dog, the studio behind Uncharted and The Last of Us. Baker and Naughty Dog’s creative lead, Neil Druckmann, are reuniting for the upcoming space Western, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, though Baker’s specific role remains under wraps.
Despite his already impressive resume, Baker remains ambitious. “I feel like my best work is ahead of me,” he states. He acknowledges the uncertainty of the future, but expresses gratitude for the opportunities he’s been given.
“I don’t know what that looks like. I don’t know if I’ll ever get another opportunity like I’ve been given with these, but I also know that this industry doesn’t owe me anything. I’ve had one hell of a run, and I have zero complaints… I’ll go off and do other things, because I know that I have my stories that I want to tell.”
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