Gaming a ‘legitimate, creative art form,’ says Merchant

Comedian and The Office co-creator Stephen Merchant has said he now sees gaming as a legitimate art form, but admits recording dialogue for Portal 2 was one of the most exhausting jobs he has ever been involved in.

In an interview with MTV he described the difficulty of taking on the role of Wheatley: “When I finished it I was like, I can never do this again, I’m so tired. Honestly, I’m not just exaggerating for the interview. I was really tired. By the third or fourth session, I was not looking forward to it. I was just like, I’m gonna be exhausted after this. So, at the time, I was thinking, Oh, I don’t fancy doing this again.”

However the positive reaction to his performance changed his opinion, “It never occurred to me that people would respond to it in the way they do with other stuff I’ve done. I felt like, ‘Oh, actually this is a really legitimate, creative art form now.'”

Merchant has his own ideas for Wheatley’s future, “I’m a robot, I don’t need to die. They could bring me back anyway if they wanted. Make it a prequel!”

Portal 2 is the first video game Stephen Merchant has performed voice work for.

Here’s hoping Merchant does more voice over work in the future. Considering how brilliant he was in Portal 2 it would be a waste of talent if he hung up his coat now.