For me, one 2001 game is lodged forever in my mind, Hostile Waters
It’s a great game, although sadly won’t run on modern systems. And not strictly voice acting, more narration, but I’ve just re-watched the intro and Tom Baker’s narration still gives me shivers.
Almost a quarter of a century since I first played it, the phrase “These are hostile waters” in Tom’s voice still pops into my head from time to time.
Needing to put food on your table is a good motivator.
Also - you might want to check something - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_and_open_source Even allowing for the three Es, MS has employed a number of people who worked exclusively on FOSS projects.