2019 has been a brilliant year for gamers. We've had a whole host of stellar video games to play through, but today it's not the games themselves we're celebrating, but the actors who have done a fantastic job of bringing the characters within those games to life. We've chosen our five favourite video game performances and overall winner, and we're sure that those among you who have experienced the talent of these stars will agree, they deserve their spot on this list!
Nominee: Ashly Burch as Parvati Holcomb in The Outer Worlds
Dropping in late October, The Outer Worlds proved to be an incredible new IP with an enchanting story and charming cast of characters. The one who made the biggest impact on gamers however, was Parvati Holcomb, played by Ashly Burch. Parvati is the first companion you can have join your ranks in the game, and anybody who left her behind without bringing her on board lost out on some truly fantastic moments. Burch plays Parvati with excellence, bringing a real gravitas to an NPC who could have easily been lost amongst the crowd.
Nominee: Charlotte McBurney as Amicia in A Plague Tale: Innocence
Whatever you think of A Plague Tale: Innocence as a game (because we know it's one that divided MANY people), Charlotte McBurney's performance as lead character Amicia is undeniably astounding. Drawing in the audience from the game's earliest moments, right up through to its dramatic finale, gamers go on an adventure which envelops around them entirely. The emotion evoked by McBurney's professionalism in the role takes the entire story to another level, pushing gamers through to the end, even if they're not a fan of the gameplay.
Nominee: Norman Reedus as Sam Porter Bridges in Death Stranding
There are a whole roster of people who could have made the cut here from Death Stranding, but it wouldn't feel right to include any of them by excluding Norman Reedus. His execution of Sam Porter Bridges in Hideo Kojima's latest mind-boggling video game experience is a real piece of art; he has a commitment to the character that allows even the most jaded of gamers to jump into the wild experience of Death Stranding.
Nominee: Daniel Roebuck as Greez Dritus in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
We said Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was Game of the Year material, and for good reason! Not only is the gameplay addictive and engaging, but the acting work put in by its leading cast is some of the best we've ever seen. None moreso than the hilarious Daniel Roebuck, who plays Greez Dritus with a dry sense of humour and wit that would have even Portal's Glados blushing. Or, whatever a machine does to exhibit an emotional response to jokes...
Nominee: Laura Bailey as Kait Diaz in Gears 5
Xbox Game Studios had to do something special with Gears 5, and bringing Kait Diaz to the forefront of the story was the perfect decision. Having Laura Bailey voice the character was an even better one, as she allowed for the emotional and chaotic nature of a Gears narrative to surround her, but not take over. Instead, her performance stood the test of pressure and high expectations, making her one of the most relatable and loved Gears characters to-date!
And the winner is...
Ashly Burch! No character made us smile more than Parvati this year. The Outer Worlds was a hugely surprising feat of excellence, and Burch's performance went a long way in making it something memorable that will stick with us for years to come. Bravo!