Mikhail Belyakovich is a Russian actor who trained at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) in acting and directing and has since studied theater directing. He has appeared in the Moscow Theater in the Southwest and taken on episodic and minor roles in film and television. At 42, he is widely recognized for his work in dubbing for films, television series, and stage productions. Notably, he provided the Russian voice for Christian Bale and voiced the leading character Kratos in the God of War game series. Belyakovich also runs his own scoring and dubbing school in Moscow.
Being localized?
News about God of War: Ragnarok emerged after a teaser was shown in September 2020. It’s widely known in Russia that Kratos has a Russian voice actor in this project.
The official voice work for the game began with the teaser reveal. The production faced delays due to the pandemic, which pushed back full-scale localization efforts for some time.
The exact timeline for completing Kratos’ voiceover in the new installment remains unclear, as the project features many characters beyond Kratos and multiple localization streams are ongoing. Voices can still be refined as the game develops.
God of War: Ragnarok saw its official release on November 9, 2022, but Russian localization details were not fully disclosed at the time. Fans continued to hope for a complete Russian voice track for the game. Localization discussions and approvals are ongoing, and the team aims to deliver a fully voiced experience for Russian players. Belyakovich regards Kratos as one of his favorite voice roles.
Parallel imports have been mentioned as a potential route for distribution, which could mean Russian dubbing might appear on discs sold in other markets. Yet the timing of a Russian release remains subject to localization and distribution considerations. The work involved in dubbing Kratos is substantial, far beyond a single line or a short scene.
Working with PlayStation in Russia
The Russian branch of PlayStation continues to operate, with the local office handling customer relations and the localization workflow. Belyakovich notes ongoing contact with the PlayStation division in Russia, and the localization process is coordinated through the local team. The company’s presence in Russia persists despite broader industry challenges.
Regarding restrictions affecting Russian players on PlayStation, Belyakovich expresses hope that the platform remains accessible. He emphasizes that the situation should not be blamed on fans who simply want to enjoy their games. He also explains that obtaining a PlayStation 5 has become difficult due to price increases and limited stock, often requiring long waits for shipments. He has not yet received a console himself.
Different roles
Asked about changes in the Russian dubbing industry amid current conditions, Belyakovich notes that while there has not been a fundamental shift, sanctions have created some hurdles. Some projects struggle to reach audiences, and there is a trend toward Turkish, Chinese, and Indian productions in some cases. In the realm of games, however, the dubbing market remains active and expansive.
Beyond Kratos, Belyakovich has continued to work on a variety of titles. He voiced main character Colt Van in Deathloop, and he contributed to Far Cry 6 and Spider-Man with a Brigadier General role. His work spans Call of Duty entries over several years and includes voice work for Diablo 4. He views this as a fulfilling part of his professional life rather than a rush of main roles—the job itself is what he enjoys.
Subtleties of registration
On the recording floor, the microphone is the focal point while the sound engineer and director monitor from behind the glass. The process aims to bring dialogue to life with careful pacing and emotion, without slipping into overacting or misalignment with the scene. The goal is to avoid any wooden performance and to preserve authentic tonal balance in every line.
In God of War, Kratos and his son Atreus share a pivotal moment over wine from Kratos’ homeland. The recording team aims for a natural delivery without using props on set, ensuring the dialogue remains convincing even in a soundproof environment. The goal is to capture the energy of a live performance while maintaining the stability of a long studio session.
Despite the fixed setup, the actor notes that the experience mirrors theater in its demand for focus. If a line needs revision, the session can be revisited, and the performance refined. The essence is to convey the full emotion within each scene, with the advantage of being able to re-record if necessary.
Kratos and Atreus
To immerse himself in Kratos’ feelings, the actor studies dialogue scripts and scenario notes. In the latest installment, Kratos grows warmer toward his son, moving from a stern, distant stance to a more protective and concerned posture. The relationship remains the core of the narrative, with the father and son dynamic driving much of the plot as it unfolds.
There was early discussion among fans about the Russian voice actor for Atreus changing. The actor who handles Atreus has continued to develop his portrayal as the character matures, reflecting both the character’s growth and localization needs. The decision to retain the same actor supports continuity in the Russian version for viewers who follow the localization closely.
Regarding Kratos’ overarching objective in God of War: Ragnarok, the team keeps some elements under wraps. The story appears to move toward a crucial mission involving Tyr, the Norse god of war, with other tasks guiding their path as the narrative advances. The opening sequence hints at the broader quest without revealing every detail.
In the 2018 game, Atreus was intimately tied to a larger mythic reveal. In the new installment, the focus remains on the evolving bond between Kratos and Atreus, with Kratos showing increased trust and independence for his son while still offering guidance as needed. The relationship continues to shape the journey more than any single destiny or prophecy.
When discussing combat mechanics, the actor hints at the strategic timing of moves in any future battles. Finishing moves would rely on a decisive sequence that blends speed and power, reflecting the action-oriented nature of the game while ensuring a satisfying payoff for players who master the controls.
Thor
The trailer teases Thor as a major challenge, though the actor notes that he is not involved in the recording for that role. The production team preserves the secrecy around the actor who voices Thor. Fans can expect that Kratos will encounter familiar faces from his past and new adversaries as the story unfolds, though those who were defeated previously are unlikely to return in the same way. The dialogue across the game will continue to reveal Kratos’ evolving arc and the broader mythic landscape of the Norse universe.
As for the question of Kratos facing Odin in the new game, the answer remains intentionally open. The development team hints that discussions around Odin will appear in dialogue with Atreus and other characters, keeping the saga alive rather than delivering a definitive confrontation in one installment. The battle philosophy for Kratos emphasizes strategic mastery, with the iconic action relying on skill, timing, and a readiness to adapt to new foes. What matters most is Kratos’ growth and his relationship with Atreus as they navigate a perilous world together.
When asked which button sequence would finish a tough foe, the response points to a powerful double-tap combo. A two-handed approach, such as L2 + R2, can create a decisive finish when the moment calls for it.
The conversation also touches on Christian Bale’s portrayal in a different project. While Bale’s performance on film is well known, the dubbing work for the game has often bridged between on-screen roles and voice work. The actor shares a strong professional bond with Bale through prior projects and expresses openness to future opportunities to voice him again should circumstances align.