Much has been made of Andy Serkis’ work in films like “The Lord of the Rings” and “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” Performing in a motion capture suit, Serkis has been heralded for breathing life into completely computer-generated characters, a practice that has long been used in video games. And now, those who participate in projects via motion capture suits are finally receiving their well-deserved time in the spotlight.

As game developers more frequently devote time and resources to improving their plots and characters, the voices and faces behind these characters have become celebrities in their own right. Actors such as Troy Baker, Ashley Johnson and Nolan North have delivered some of the best performances across all entertainment media in recent years, all while performing with nothing but a few mock props and their fellow actors.

Baker, in particular, headlined some of 2013’s biggest titles — he is perhaps the most emblematic of video game actors taking on more public roles. As Joel in “The Last of Us,” Baker impressively disappears into his performance. He voices a father coming to terms with his own emotional guilt, as well as accepting his charge in possibly saving mankind from a devastating infection.

In “BioShock Infinite,” Baker’s performance as Booker DeWitt serves as a viable entry point to the game’s world of floating cities and religious devotion to American history. In between these two lead roles, Baker even filled the massive clown shoes of Mark Hamill and successfully took on the role of Batman’s arch nemesis, the Joker, in “Batman: Arkham Origins.”

Baker has established himself as a known quantity in the gaming world not just for those making the games but for players as well. Titles like “The Last of Us” bill their performers up front like a movie’s introductory credits, and it has given actors like Baker and his equally stellar co-star Johnson their proper due.

While performance capture methods vary throughout the video game industry — some actors provide only voice work while some also contribute to a character’s physicality — the industry has enjoyed tremendous growth in its acting talent. Players are rewarding that talent with an increased focus on these actors, who are therefore increasingly sought out for jobs in the industry.

Baker, Johnson and North — North also appeared in “The Last of Us” and first gained fame for his pitch-perfect portrayal of Nathan Drake in the “Uncharted” franchise — have proven that with powerful actors, audiences should watch out. The next big Hollywood stars may have already appeared on gaming consoles.

A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, April 10 print edition. Jonathon Dornbush is an editor-at-large. Email him at [email protected].