Ahmed Best Embraces New Role as Voice and Performance Capture Director in South of Midnight

In early 2024, it was revealed that Ahmed Best, best known for his role as Jar-Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequels, was working on an Xbox first-party game. The game in question turned out to be South of Midnight, which was released on Xbox Game Pass in April 2025. This title marks a significant milestone for Best, as it is the first game where he took on a major leadership role, not only as the voice director but also as the performance (motion capture) director.

Ahmed Best’s Transition to Voice and Performance Capture Director in South of Midnight

South of Midnight represents a major leap in Ahmed Best’s career, as it is the first time he’s taken on the position of voice and performance capture director. In addition to these responsibilities, he also lent his voice to two characters in the game: Roux and Crouton.

In an interview following the release, Best expressed his excitement about the project, emphasizing how directing performance capture is a dream come true. He discussed the importance of listening to all the artists involved in the project and allowing the best ideas to come forward, underscoring his belief that collaboration is key to successful storytelling.

Before his involvement in South of Midnight, performance capture was not a common role in the video game industry. Best reflected on this evolution, stating that the job didn’t even exist when he first became famous for portraying Jar-Jar Binks.

For him, this new chapter in his career allows him to directly contribute to the development of a video game in ways he had never imagined. Directing performance capture involves both technical expertise and a deep respect for the creative process, which Best has now embraced fully in his career.

Ahmed Best’s Passion for South of Midnight as a Personal and Professional Milestone

Best’s connection to South of Midnight is not just professional but deeply personal. He voiced two characters in the game, Roux and Crouton, roles that he expressed great pride in portraying. His excitement was evident when he mentioned that he looked forward to cosplaying as both of these characters. This passion for his work highlights Best’s genuine enthusiasm and commitment to the project, which has surprised and delighted many fans who continue to support him since his Star Wars days.

For some fans, including the writer of the piece, South of Midnight holds special significance. As someone who still defends the Star Wars prequel trilogy, the opportunity to see Best in a new light has been a rewarding experience.

The game, which blends creative artistry and innovative technology, has proven to be full of surprises. The success of South of Midnight is not only a testament to Best’s directorial skills but also a reflection of the broader possibilities in the evolving field of performance capture and voice acting in video games.