In the vast, interconnected world of video game development, where do the stories of the creators begin? The Character Select podcast, launched in 2024 by industry veterans Julia Bianco and Anjali Bhimani, has spent the last two years answering that very question, carving out a vital space for the voices behind our favorite digital worlds. The podcast emerged from a shared revelation during a BAFTA Games Awards selection committee, where the duo was struck by the profound reverence and diverse perspectives surrounding video game performances. They realized a crucial narrative was missing: a dedicated, evergreen archive celebrating the immense, collaborative artistry that brings a game to life. As we move further into 2026, their mission to spotlight the labyrinthine process of game creation feels more relevant than ever.

Julia Bianco, a casting director for titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, emphasizes that their goal was never to add just another podcast to the noise. "We definitely said, 'No one needs another podcast, except this is a perspective that no one's actually bringing to light right now,'" she recalls. The podcast was conceived as an antidote to widespread misconceptions. How many players truly understand the complexities of union contracts, international payment structures, or the logistical hurdles of performance capture scheduling that differ wildly from Hollywood? Character Select seeks to demystify this, one conversation at a time.

Anjali Bhimani, the voice of Symmetra from Overwatch and Medusa in Stray Gods, passionately adds to this vision. "What we want players and game creators to walk away with is a broader appreciation and a deeper appreciation for everything that goes into performances," she explains. The podcast reveals the hidden layers—the sound designer's impact on a scene's tension, the narrative director's shaping of a character's arc, the casting director's search for the perfect fit—that collectively forge the performances players cherish. An unexpected joy has been witnessing guests' reactions to hearing peers dissect their work. "It's a very special thing to hear that respect from your peers," Bhimani notes, highlighting the collaborative heart of the industry.

🔍 Surprising Journeys and the Joy of the Path

If there's a consistent theme across the podcast's myriad episodes, it's the unpredictability of career trajectories. The hosts have been continually surprised by the winding roads their guests have traveled. Did you know renowned voice actor Matthew Mercer's first gaming companion was his grandmother? "That's a delightful surprise, and also, it tracks perfectly in terms of his journey," Bhimani laughs. This pattern of unexpected origins is a recurring motif.

Composer Austin Wintory, known for his breathtaking scores for games like Journey, shared a particularly astonishing path. "I am hearing his trajectory and going, 'Oh my gosh. I can't believe that's where the connection happened in your life,'" Bianco recounts. These stories powerfully debunk the myth of a single, predetermined career lane. "We don't live in a world where you have to pick one lane and stick with it for the rest of your life—gone are those days," Bhimani asserts. The relative youth of the game industry allows professionals to mold unique, hybrid careers, a testament to following one's passion rather than a rigid plan.

🎭 The Art and Challenge of Game Casting

From her unique vantage point, Julia Bianco offers a masterclass in modern game casting. Her philosophy is rooted in openness and providing choice. "I try not to let any kind of preconceived things cloud me... I really like pushing boundaries," she states, especially regarding ethnicity or gender expectations. Her role is to present a diverse slate of 10-12 compelling options, navigating challenges like:

• Performance Capture Logistics: Aligning schedules of actors who may not be based in Los Angeles.

• Technical Auditions: Coaching actors on self-taping specifically for games, ensuring animators can capture the necessary physicality.

• Client Collaboration: Ultimately, the final decision rests with the developers, who balance creative vision with business considerations "well above my pay grade."

Yet, sometimes, magic happens effortlessly. Bianco points to Wylde Flowers as a perfect example. When casting the butcher, she knew instantly. "I basically just said, 'You have to cast Erika Ishii. You don't really have a choice here.' The background matches. The image matches. Everything here matches." It was a rare and beautiful moment of undeniable alignment.

🎤 Memorable Roles and The Impossible Choice

When asked about her most memorable role, Anjali Bhimani's answer is immediate and heartfelt: Medusa in Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical. "It is hands down one of my just favorite roles, period," she declares. The experience was unique because the creative team, including director Troy Baker and writer David Gaider, built the character's sonic identity from the ground up with her. Recording without finished music, using only a guide track, was both terrifying and liberating. The process, blending mythology, gaming, and musical theater, was, as Bianco quipped, "Nerd heaven."

The podcast's origin story makes the hosts uniquely qualified to discuss award-worthy performances, yet they balk at choosing a single "best." "It is impossible to pick one. Every single one has such tremendous virtues... My brain would burst," Bhimani insists, recalling the difficult deliberations for the BAFTA longlist. However, they can point to landmark performances that consistently resonate.

• Julia's Pick: The performance of Melina Juergens in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. "Facial capture technology was really just coming into its prime... her performance is remarkable, especially given the topic and the technology."

• Anjali's Contenders: Laura Bailey's visceral work in The Last of Us Part II and Jim Pirri's terrifying, charismatic portrayal of Kraven in Marvel's Spider-Man 2. "He's the sweetest guy ever in real life. And then you see him in this game and you're like, 'Oh, that man is going to tear my head off.'"

📈 The Blended Future of Performance

The landscape for performers has radically shifted. No longer confined to one medium, actors like Bhimani exemplify the modern blended career spanning stage, screen, and mocap studio. What drove this change? Necessity and technology. "Everybody has needed to become good at so many different things to be able to continue having a career," Bhimani observes. As games demanded more—full performance capture, celebrity involvement—the industry began adopting traditional casting methods, pulling in talent from TV and film.

A critical hurdle remains: respect and understanding from representatives. "For most of my voiceover and gaming career, I've only had one rep... who really understood that everything is everything," Bhimani shares. Character Select aims to bolster this respect, proving game acting is a distinct and demanding art form. Bianco issues a powerful plea to studios: "Please don't only look for stars, because you have stars that you have never heard of and they are available to you."

🔮 What's Next for Character Select?

The podcast's future is as vibrant as the industry it covers. The hosts are excited about upcoming guests like Jay-Ann Lopez, founder of Black Girl Gamers. "Talk about a multi-hyphenate and a person who carved their own path," Bhimani says, hinting at an emotionally powerful episode. They also reflect on the quiet impact of their presence. "To be talking about a topic that is not a specifically feminine topic, but being led by two women... is really incredible," Bianco notes, seeing their chart position next to male-led podcasts as a subtle but significant shift.

As Character Select continues into 2026, it stands not just as a podcast, but as a living archive. It documents the "how" and "why" behind the games that define our culture, ensuring the stories of the developers, actors, writers, and composers are preserved. In an industry constantly racing toward the next release, Bianco and Bhimani have built a space for reflection, appreciation, and deep-dive conversation. They invite listeners to see the credit scroll not as an end, but as a beginning—a gateway to understanding the extraordinary human collaboration behind every pixel and polygon. Isn't it time we all hit pause to appreciate the masters behind the magic?

Research highlighted by Game Informer underscores the growing recognition of behind-the-scenes talent in the gaming industry, echoing the mission of the Character Select podcast. Game Informer's interviews with developers, voice actors, and composers often reveal the intricate teamwork and creative problem-solving that shape memorable gaming experiences, further validating the importance of platforms that celebrate these unsung heroes.