The House that Master Chief Built: Tour of Steve Downes' Chicago Condo, Voice Over Studio

Follow Steve Downes, the voice of Master Chief, on a personal tour of his Chicago condo overlooking Lake Michigan. Check out his home studio where he brings the legendary lines of Halo to life, and even get a peek at the Halo Infinite script! You'll also get to see some of the fan art he's collected over the years, and meet his dog Ginger!
Directed by Austin C. Pruett (austincpruett.com)
Cinematography by A.J. Grimm and Grimm Media (wearegrimmmedia.com)
Edited by Austin C. Pruett and A.J. Grimm

[@SteveDownes117]

There's a lot more where that came from, Spartans. We're just getting started. Subscribe and stay tuned for much more!

[@westin556]

Your a legend Steve. Thank you for bringing such an iconic character to life over the decades for me and my friends.

[@johnathongluth6219]

Definitely looking forward to another episode in The Life Of A Legend.

[@arathbane7683]

I LOVE your sweet doggie!

[@JaronDenneyGaming]

"The mission's changed. They always do" when you read that back I got chills LOL

[@Beregond1861]

Chief: "Can you tell me where we are *exactly?"* Steve: "...Lake Michigan, in all its glory.☕🏔️"

[@mymanmark5726]

Forgers assemble

[@DJNefarious447]

wanna help me build a btb map and get into matchmaking? lol

[@Primgull27]

Forger here

[@salsaspartan7]

Make his condo in forge please.

[@bad_covfefe]

Someone make his apartment giant.

[@RANDOMPEPSIBOTTLES]

😂😂😂

[@simplygarza8511]

As an Army Veteran, the fact that Steve was presented with the Global War On Terrorism Service Medal is so cool to see, and it warms my heart to see he honored and flattered by it. In a way, Steve was with the troops overseas these past 20 years. I've seen plenty of memes and posts of service members playing Halo CE and Halo 2 on LAN parties in barracks, hooked up to trucks, anywhere and anyway they can overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[@Beaneggs]

Your right, the chief means so much to us halo fans, and so do you Steve, without you the big green guy wouldn’t be the hero we all love and admire. It was surreal meeting you in the UK last Christmas and hope to see you over here again. Thankyou for everything Steve

[@i_woke_up_in_a_new_buggati]

That's awesome! Did you get to meet Keith Davis?

[@Beaneggs]

@@i_woke_up_in_a_new_buggati thanks man! No unfortunately Keith didn’t attend that event! I would love for him to come to another UK con to sign the mint sealed halo 2 collectors steel book that Steve signed!

[@iNabber]

thank you so much for everything, a massive part of all of our childhoods

[@gargf8899]

This one is machine and nerve and has its house constructed. Love ya chief!!!!!

[@joshuaneal8501]

This one is but flesh and faith and is the more deluded

[@maybebaking5943]

this sent me

[@TetravaultActual]

Mr. Downes, you are officially how I envision Chief in his retirements years, should he ever reach those golden years. A rugged, experienced man living quietly on the lake. Thank you for the peak into your personal life!

[@amdkillaplays]

if we ever get to finish the campaign against the Banished, we need a final scene of Chief chilling in a house by the lake

[@glerpz]

4:37 Ginger NEEDS to be in the next halo game! I always thought the Master Chief needed a dog companion

[@ftwjoseph7660]

Imagine a genetically augmented dog with a army green UNSC harness and light armor. It would even had a dumb AI installed to give it low level recon and hacking abilities, and maybe an AI controlled SMG . Would be so sick

[@seanstrizak3654]

I would love to see Chief fight the banish with his trusty military dog Ginger.

[@saucebloks5243]

​@@ftwjoseph7660hell, we practically had it with the crawlers, it's not that unbelievable they could make a doggo chief just how u described 💪😂

[@workingjellyfish]

0:48 - "This is the house that Master Chief built" 😆 - and you deserve it, mate. It probably goes without saying, but in the event it doesn't: please never underestimate the overwhelmingly positive influence your voice has had on Halo fans (and even the wider gaming community). The character you voice means the world to those fans, from kids about to take their first step into high-school, to veterans who played Halo on OPs to feel closer to home. The fact that Chief is voiced by such genuine, down to Earth human, is more wholesome than you can possibly imagine. You are a personal inspiration to me, and I'm sure countless others. Keep living your best life Steve, you bloody legend - because what you've given a generation of fans ... is priceless.

[@ghostmiyu]

I absolutely love that you cherish some of the fanart! Especially the one at 2:49 I am rolling on the floor laughing

[@TheBoysUnknown]

Its so weird to hear chief just chilling talking about his house

[@AquaFetus2.0]

Mr. Downes, in the hundreds of comments you see, I hope you see this one knowing that even though Halo was a collective effort with a huge team of people, you played a critical, irreplaceable part. You've been such a great guy for this vast community of people that spent countless hours of their lives playing a game. A game that so many of us had unforgettable moments with our friends/family, all branched from just one character. It's awesome to see you enjoying life from what you gave us as fans. Thank you for your work and passion.

[@SeanTopicEdits]

I loved this, genuinely. I thoroughly enjoy getting to hear about the things you've gotten to experience, how you help keep the character alive, and your personal interests. Might have to check out that favorite band now.

[@brickman1175]

It’s impossible for me to separate Steve Downes from the Master Chief, I’ve been listening to his faceless voice in Halo for so long that when I watch a video like this my mind just excepts Steve as the Chief without his helmet on, and likewise, when I’m playing Halo, It’s Steve’s face I visualise behind Chief’s visor whenever he talks. What an absolute Legend, and so grounded with it. Thank you good sir for 22 years of bringing the Chief to life👍

[@IxXDOMINATORXxI]

You deserve all of it Steve. I'm 28 years old and literally grew up on Halo, Master chief was/is my superhero growing up and you will always be the voice of that hero. Much love man 🤝🏼

[@Golgari213]

28 y/old as well. Been playing since 07. Cool to think we likely met in the battlefield at least once or fought beside each other. Take care, brother.

[@holywhitelie5545]

“The missions changed… they always do” please god protect this hero at all cost he is the last of what I remember from bungies halo.. and if I met you in real life I’d cry because you made my childhood have so much adventure and wondering what it would be like to serve beside the big green man god bless you and please never leave halo.. that game needs you more then ever

[@Coal-117]

Forge mode is about to go crazy By the way nice to meet you at comicom Pasadena

[@TheLastWhiteKid]

I can't express the gratitude I have for this man. Hearing his voice in my head while reading the novels, the couch co-op growing up. Man, so thankful

[@horrorpleb249]

So incredible, you and chief are always going to be part of Halo for me. You're my childhood!

[@annemariefajardo3888]

i saw you every time when i see halo video coincidence?

[@coyrex1250]

It's crazy how similar his regular voice is to chief. This is like listening to master chief describe his condo.

[@OmegaIvanovic117]

After saving humanity several times, I’m glad to see Master Chief has a nice place to enjoy a nice view and some coffee.

[@DanIsDTM]

Folks need Heroes, Chief… To give ‘em hope Thank you for this wonderful look inside your Chicago home!

[@cryptotic5257]

2:50 Oh my god he has Master Cheeks up on the shelf, that is gold!

[@MrGaussFPV]

Steve, you sir are a gift to us. You have changed our lives in ways we'll never be able to show. Thank you, Sir. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every time I've met you, you are beyond gracious and so good to the fans. I'm grateful for the few opportunities I've had to meet you, shake your hand, and when you told me to keep writing - know that it was the first time in my life I've ever had anyone support a passion and convey belief in me. Thank you.

[@joecool684]

I never thought id see the day that we get a tour of Master Chiefs Chicago Condo. Yet here I am.

[@solidonion8426]

Master Chief saying "bitching" is now my favorite Halo line

[@asaoshaughnessy4523]

You can just tell how effortlessly the voice comes to him, obviously because it's HIS voice, but 2 because it's literally his a major part of his life. They day we lose Steve is the day they might have to put Halo to rest for good.

[@Kenji-117]

"Master Chief, you mind telling me what you're doing on this ship?" "Sir, finishing this house."

[@-DubstepVoice-]

I've been a a huge fan of halo since I first played CE as a little kid. Me and my friends always would group together, have a sleepover and game all night playing Halo. We did that up until we were about 16 and we all parted our ways. We were able to play all the original titles before 343 took over. To this day being 30, I'm still playing and enjoying the story while re learning the books. I've got to say, the Chief made a impact on my life. Honestly influenced me to join the Army, now I'm heading on a rotation in January. I hope when I get back from rotation I will get to meet the voice behind the helmet. To see and talk with the person that helped me so much in life would be amazing. I hope you and the team have schedules for next year doing comic con. It would be my first time ever going if I'm back in time. Probably won't be back till around July or later. But I wanna say thank you, for all the memories that you and the chief gave me growing up. Keep up the amazing work, and thank you for everything you do.

[@Otto_Recon]

Steve Downes should be eternal, the voice of a man who changed a generation, I love you so much Steve... ❤

[@MrWaifuTaker]

I love to imagine Master Chief casually describing his apartment as I watch this video, lol. In all seriousness, thank you for being one of the most iconic voices in my Childhood.

[@poloptree2]

Halo and the chief had a big impact on my life, so many good times with friends, so many hours playing the games, so much time spent reading the books and delving into the lore. Thanks for helping to make the chief what he is. His stoicism, skill, courage and drive is something I think we all look up to.

[@Alolan.Vulpix.Getting.Railed]

Love this, thank you Steve for being the voice millions of us will never forget

[@OnlySkyGuy]

You are so much more than the voice in the armor Steve, ill be 22 soon and halo has been massive in my life. Well loved and respected member of my childhood, it truly would not be the same without you and your hard work bringing the feeling in the suit to life.

[@GwensGaming-gb3xg]

I love this man, Like you have no idea.. I love this man LOVE LOVE LOVE this man. He literally made Xbox great, Built many childhoods and just kept a generation going. This guy is a legend.

[@zeltan3741]

Steve Downes is a national treasure, and I (as well as many other halo fans) will forever be thankful for him bringing to life one of the greatest video games characters of all time. Thank you, Steve! Also, master chief saying “bitchin” is one of the best things I’ve ever heard 😂

[@jerebear117]

Steve!!! The best man in the world!!

[@subsume7904]

I've been playing Halo since I was 9, and read most of the books after. My parents were abusive drunks and I hid in my room most days playing xbox. Most of my morals and work ethic came from my fascination with Johns story, he was the hero I looked up to and strived to be in tough times. It taught me to hold on to hope in face of impossible odds, and I don't think I would have turned out the way I am today without the stories to keep me going. Thank you Steve for your work, you changed many young lives with what you brought to Halo!

[@orion4624]

I also have a dog named Ginger! I wish I knew that so I could have brought it up on Anime Pasadena on Saturday! I was the one that gifted you a little sketch card of Master Chief's Helmet (the one with a Blue Diagonal line going across the card). It's cool to see that it may stay in your shelf of gifts from fans! And it was an absolute pleasure to meet you in person! I hope to see you guys again down here in SoCal! :D

[@woodsgump]

This made me smile so much, been a huge Halo fan since 2002 and I’m so glad to be alive these past 20+ years to see this moment come.❤

[@a_zula1]

Hearing the voice of Master Chief talk about Chicago deep dish pizzas is something I never thought I'd hear. You've given me so many memories for the past 19 years of my life. Thank you.

[@aran2742]

I already know this will be something I'll watch like 2 or 3 times per week

[@bb-61ussiowa75]

Bitchin😂

[@JGAvila90]

Needs to be a voice line for Chief in the next game lol

[@bb-61ussiowa75]

@@JGAvila90 damn rights

[@EustTube]

Halo games come, Halo games go, but Steve Downes is forever. Thank you for showing us a little slice of your life. I think it gives a lot of people some pleasure to know that portraying the Chief has allowed you to enjoy life and chill out. Power to you man.

[@xXblazmodzXx]

The title confused me at first, but then when he went on to explain about how, to him, master chief as a role is what got him to such a nice home, and that really just warmed my heart. It's genuinely amazing and makes me so happy to know he cares for, and loves this role even so many years later. Even collecting and displaying all sorts of fan art, too. What an amazing guy, I really hope I get to meet him one day.❤

[@kevinwillems8720]

I still find it so wild that the guy who voiced Master Cheif was one of the voices that would wake me up in the morning when my main alarm was The Drive.

[@GodsReaperMan]

Thank you Mister Steve Downes Sir, for all your amazing and faithful years of incredible and overwhelming service to the very heart and soul of Master Chief and the Halo world as a whole. You have been such a true inspiration to so many countless people across the world, both civilian and soldiers alike. You are a true legend in every single sense of the word, and we shall be forever humbled, honored and thankful to have been a part of it as well too. God Bless You and all you Do Master Chief, We Salute You!🖖🖖

[@redc7146]

This is the perfect house for Master Chief. After a lifetime of fighting, this is the house he deserves.

[@deifiedtitan]

Glad Chief could be as positive for you as he’s been for the fans.

[@haloboy817]

Words cannot describe my love for Steve. He said it clearly at the end "Humble". But he means so much more to not just the Halo fanbase, but the gaming community as a whole. This man always has set an example to those around him of love, respect and clear dedication to the cause. Halo Infinite was a much more emotional game for me(moreso than Halo 4) because of the notion of how far we have come. Sometimes things change, sometimes we fail. But we cant ever stop the fight. Thank you so much Steve for being an inspiration to us all and your gratitude and appreciation for the "Mantle of Responsibility" is what built the home we call Halo.

[@RokushoHasashi]

Mr. Steve Downes I've been a Halo and Xbox Fanatic since I was 11 years old and still am at the age of 33. Halo and Xbox made me the gamer I am today. Thank you for bringing Halo and Master Chief to life. You are my whole childhood, and if I can relive it again, I would 😎🎮🤘🏽💚 Sincerely Freddy

[@fredbosito7972]

Hearing Master Chief talk about simple everyday things is so awesome. You could imagine him after a day of killing aliens going about his daily chores.

[@yodaandthebike5839]

Masterchief may have been a gift to you Steve, but you have gifted us the Masterchief. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@dakotawisdom2777]

Steve Downes I have to say you are an amazing guy you brought to life something for so many gamers including my self. I love the story line of halo and halo infinite was by far ground breaking with the open world game play. So thanks man means a lot. SPARTANS FOREVER!

[@luheartswarm4573]

Oh Steve, your work has been legendary (pun intended), Halo is such an important series for many of us, and Chief wouldn't be anything near as it is without you, you are amazing and we can't thank you enough for your work!

[@holyashbringer9923]

Master Chief is such an iconic character. Awesome house sir🫡

[@combatcarl]

Happy master chief day, Steve! Thank you as a life long halo fan for bringing masterchief to life all of these years, you may not be aware but for me and many more out there you are the voice for our childhood/life long hero, hopefully 343 will have you back in an actual studio for the next halo.

[@seangearhart4616]

Steve did a phenomenal birthday greeting for a friend of mine a few years back and it is still the best birthday present he says he ever received! A true class act. Thanks again Mr. Downes!

[@lordnub926]

Halo was and still is my favorite franchise ever! Being 21 now it’s insane looking back on all the time I spent in Halo. Thank you Steve for making Master Chief my hero growing up!!

[@hooley1174]

You’ve been such an inspiration in my life Steve, thank you for being you!

[@Ishwolv]

@5:50 Steve, the Master Chief means to world to us fans! I still can't believe they didn't just have you do the voice for the TV show Master Chief.

[@Dan420Bro]

Man you are a big part of my childhood! Spent hundreds of hours playing halo and out of every video game character Master chief has been my favorite hands down! Love you man! Glad you are enjoying your time on this beautiful planet!

[@SkyWolf.117]

You’ve been such a huge idol to my brother and I for such a long time now. I remember like the 2nd week Halo Infinite came out I swear we were in a slayer match with the Chief himself and heard you talk to us, it was such an awesome experience for us. Thank you for everything you contributed in my life time, Per Audacia Ad Astra.

[@thatdognotthepuppy5809]

"Oh that's right, you're a PlayStation fan. I forgot." It's moments like these when you remember Steve was a radio jockey, very quick wit. Funny and wonderful man.

[@Seffuel]

That voice! I told my homie "I WANT MORE MASTER CHIEF"! My prayers have been answered. That voice is epic!

[@MbV9320]

Love to hear that Master Chief built you that house! Big fan Steve, love these videos!

[@Beregond1861]

Seeing this amazing display of hard work, dedication, passion and skill coming to a kind of fruition here is truly wonderful. You give this Gondorian Captain much joy. We love you, Chief. I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well.

[@johnm3180]

You are the best Chief ! Thank you so much for everything you do.

[@icemythic6076]

Thanks for sharing a slice of your life with us fans. Master Chief is a hero and an inspiration to so many people across the world, including myself. I think I speak for everyone when I say there is no Master Chief without the iconic performance of Steve Downes. Happy to see you living your best life, you've earned it. Much appreciation for bringing life to Master Chief and embracing your role so gracefully. Forever wishing you the best 💙

[@atomicblimp5118]

Hey Chief, it’s brody! I loved the little tour you gave us, your place looks very neat and in order, and you can’t forget about the remarkable view! Can’t wait to see more of this stuff in the future, I can’t wait to see you, whenever that may be in the near future! Love you. ❤😊 Tell Ginger I said hello!

[@clipsmasterproductions7479]

God bless ya, Steve! You’ve enriched all our lives so much! Thank you!

[@apes4everfrump]

I like to think this is a video from the future. At the end of the Covenant War, we watch this video of the Master Chief himself, like a documentary. Chief enjoying retirement, enjoying the stuff he fought so hard to preserve, and sitting back with a smile knowing humanity, and the galaxy are safe.

[@Nick_Harrell80]

Forge mode

[@StalwartSpartan]

Hey Steve! I met you at the Telford comic con in late 2022. I just wanted to say thank you for being so kind and warming despite my nerves! Love your work man. Take care.

[@deathstar5148]

You’re so awesome Steve! Can’t wait until the other videos release! Thank you for all you do Chief 🫡💚

[@Ramazvous]

My brother introduced me to halo but i was never interested in games until i went to college now i play with him every weekend on halo. It really is a special game that i hold dear to my heart

[@haloforever7118]

Thanks for all your work Steve. Great to see you doing so well and how much your work as MC has paid off.

[@derpyxn1nja]

You, your fellow piers, actors and actresses. The composers of the wonderful musical score that is Halo helped shape part of my life. I was just 7 years old when I played Halo 3, my uncle came over with several of his college friends to play lan parties together. Shortly afterwards he tragically passed in a freak accident, I was passed down his Xbox360 and Halo 3, and went to play the game, to understand what it was and eventually went to go through Halo 1&2. Because of the games, I was able to keep his bond and connection, enjoy the story you got to be a part of. Thank you for everything Steve, it made my grief easier as I understood his love and passion for the game.

[@IIStone]

What a delightful little video! Thanks so much for sharing! Some of those fan stories and gifts were great!

[@cloudyskygaming0]

I love this what a fantastic way to talk more directly to the fans and giving us the opportunity to learn a little bit more about you and what you do! You rock Mr. Downes!

[@MasterChiefSpartanJohn117]

This was very enlightening and insightful to get a glimpse into your life and day to day stuff. Youve made quite the career for yourself and we thank you for sharing some of it with us.

[@emmanuelvazquez9978]

You and chief mean so much to us fans. I'm glad you're embracing us

[@Jackosaurus117]

What a beautiful home, thank you for sharing with us Steve ❤

[@theunderdog9353]

It warms my heart that you live your best life because of the Chief but man, it would suck if you retire before 343 gets their act together in terms of story content. You are iconic man. The voice of my childhood honestly. Would be a shame if your carreer ends before the Chief's story can be concluded. Not that anyone would blame you. The ball is in 343's court, or Xbox for that matter

[@guardianevan8406]

I really just enjoy content like this of Steve talking about his career and metting fans, i'd love to see more!

[@TheJJStudios]

HI STEVE!! I MET U IN COMIC CON ON FRIDAY, IM THE GUY WHO MADE THE MASTER CHIEF HELMET. LOVE THE VIDEO AND HOUSE BRO and you said “Joshua finish the fight”

[@CollinJosephNeal]

Love this story and your work Steve. Thank you for sharing.

[@Michael-lt5eq]

Thank you for bringing our hero to life and giving everything you have. I've never met you but did get a cameo ordered from you a while ago (amazing!) I hope that you have received a proper share from the proceeds of the games, you really deserve it!

[@AlexGamer343]

I need to call a vote to 343 if they ever shows MC’s face, I want it to be Steve Downes’ face, he actually earned it, and that’ll be awesome to the fans of Halo and Steve Downes

[@calumwalsh3601]

Love your work Steve hopefully we will hear the voice that powerd our childhoods soon again can't wait

[@jaxbarnettprice]

As someone that has always dreamed of being a video game character, Steve will always be a #1 inspiration to me.

[@TJ_mx]

Love you Steve so glad I found your channel!

[@tjpboy19]

Steve, I met you at Level up in Las Vegas earlier this year. I got a signed Halo 3 art cover from you and it was just a dream come true. Thank you!

[@KonohaRamenNoodles]

Appreciate your work Steve! Thanks for being our Master Chief.

[@AlekAEMCRaven]

It's really meaningful seeing that you kept fans gifts in a stance, reminding you of the love and appreciation that we have for your existence, your hard work and value your quality as a human being. Following your work and now this cool tour through a little section of your life. Thank you so much for everything. And BTW, If Master Chief ever gets a face reveal, of course it should be your motion face capture, hahahah. From Venezuela with so much appreciation: Stay safe, sir!

[@jangofett1172]

Steve seems like a very down to earth guy. Thank you for voicing the chief all these years!

[@NickFlemingVlogs]

Great video and house tour.. keep up the great work.. I always been a fan of halo as long I can remember. Thanks for being in my childhood..

[@ArMa1120]

2:49 is probably Steve Downes' prized possession.

[@Tony27654]

Your voice is so iconic. Don’t ever stop doing what you’re doing. You’re awesome and part of a lot of childhoods.

[@tubesteakdrake7746]

Thank you for all you have done over the years Steve!!!