Jane Perry, best known for her roles in video games such as Returnal and the Hitman trilogy, has spoken about the growing connection between the gaming industry and other creative sectors. Perry, who recently won a BAFTA for Performer in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Selene in Returnal, described the award as a moment of elation and recognition after a long career spanning theatre, television and film.
Perry highlighted the importance of community within the gaming industry, noting that the BAFTA ceremony allowed her to connect with fellow voice actors and industry professionals. She said: 'When you’re in collaboration with other people, magical, wonderful, interesting things happen.' Perry also observed that people from television and film are increasingly attending gaming events to learn more about the medium.
Discussing diversity in games, Perry praised the opportunity to play Selene, a middle-aged woman and single mother, as a 'courageous and strong' hero. She argued that the tech-driven nature of gaming allows it to adapt quickly to social changes, making it well-positioned to embrace diversity. 'Games don’t have that option [to do things the way they’ve always been done], so it’s well positioned to turn a middle aged woman into a hero,' she said.
Perry acknowledged that while film and television also evolve, they can be slower due to established traditions. She expressed optimism about the industry's future, stating: 'It’s an exciting time.' Her comments come amid ongoing discussions about representation in games, where diverse characters have sometimes faced backlash from parts of the community.
