Summary
UPDATE: Neil Newbon won Best Performance at The Game Awards 2023!
2023 has been one of the busiest years ever for video game releases. While other years can arguably match 2023 in terms of quality, few can match the sheer quantity of great video game experiences on offer this year, both big and small, from action-focused shooters with barely any dialogue at all to70-hour fantasy epics. And, of course, a game with a strong narrative is only as good as its performers, six of whom have made the shortlist for the2023 Game Awards' Best Performance category.
The Game Awards' Best Performance category has always been an interesting one. Last year, the Best Performance award kicked off the entire Game Awards show, with Al Pacino taking to the stage to announceGod of War’s Christopher Judgeas the winner, who proceeded to deliver a now-infamously long speech. This year, it’s interesting to see that all six spots in the Best Performance category have been attributed to completely different games, and this year, each and every nominee is deserving of that coveted Game Award.
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Ben Starr as Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy 16
Born in Bristol in the UK, Ben Starr is an English actor who’s been acting for around a decade now, and he takes center stage inFinal Fantasy 16as Clive Rosfield. In interviews both before and afterFinal Fantasy 16’s release, Starr made no attempt to hide just how much he’s always loved video games, and in particulartheFinal Fantasyfranchise, with that passion shining through in his performance. From small but meaningful moments of humor to some really emotionally-charged sequences, Starr delivers a fantastic performance throughoutFinal Fantasy 16, and it’s easy to see why he’s in the running at this year’s Game Awards.
Cameron Monaghan as Cal Kestis in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
An actor who’s been around in the TV game for ages, Cameron Monaghan became a household name forStar Warsfans when he appeared in the starring role of Cal Kestis in 2019’sStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Though he didn’t receive aGame Awardsnomination back in 2019, he’s received one this year for his superb performance in the long-awaited sequelStar Wars Jedi: Survivor, where the actor is given much more to work with. It’s not only Cameron Monaghan’s voicework that’s impressive inJedi: Survivor, but his physicality too, giving the Jedi a unique fighting style all his own.
Idris Elba as Solomon Reed in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
An actor that needs no introduction, Idris Elba has been a pretty big name in the world of movies and TV for quite some time now, rising to fame with the BBC showLutherback in 2010. Elba makes his video game debut inCyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty DLC, where he plays a prominent role in the DLC’s story as Solomon Reed. Elba’s performance is solid, andCyberpunk 2077’s realistic visuals help to elevate it to a new level.
Melanie Liburd as Saga Anderson in Alan Wake 2
Another British actor, Melanie Liburd has appeared across movies and TV shows for about a decade now, thoughAlan Wake 2is her first video game appearance - and what an appearance it is. As one of the game’s two main playable protagonists,Melanie Liburd’s Saga Andersonoccupies half ofAlan Wake 2’s runtime, and Liburd’s performance shines through at every turn, perfectly depicting a character that’s confident in her own ability but still intimidated by the mystery that she finds herself in.
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Neil Newbon as Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3
Just like practicallyevery other Game Awards categorythis year, it was clear thatBaldur’s Gate 3was going to get some representation in the Best Performance category, with a whole cast of extremely talented actors helping to bring the RPG to life. But only one lucky actor has made the cut this year, and that’s Neil Newbon for his portrayal of the smooth-talking vampire noble Astarion. One of the first companions inBaldur’s Gate 3, Astarion quickly became a favorite for many players, and that’s largely down to the character’s dialogue, which is delivered expertly by Newbon. Cocky, suave, arrogant, and everything in between, Newbon’s performance as Astarion is easily one of the most memorable of the entire year.
Yuri Lowenthal as Peter Parker in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Widely considered to be one of the greatest Spider-Man actors to ever do it, Yuri Lowenthal makes his triumphant return asPeter Parker inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2. While Yuri Lowenthal already cemented himself as a perfect fit for Peter Parker back in 2018’sSpider-Man, the sequel gives the actor even more hard-hitting emotional stuff to work with thanks to the addition of the Symbiote suit. Somehow, Yuri always knows how to strike the perfect balance between genuinely scary Symbiote Peter and campy over-the-top Symbiote Spidey. To many fans,Marvel’s Spider-Man 2just proved how perfect Yuri Lowenthal is in the role of Peter Parker.
Final Prediction
While this year’s Game Awards Best Performance category is filled with nominees that frankly all deserve the top spot, only one actor can take away the final prize, and the most likely contender is probably Neil Newbon for his portrayal ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s Astarion. While Yuri Lowenthal continues to prove himself to be the perfect Spider-Man, Melanie Liburd shines as Saga Anderson, Cameron Monaghan is still a great Jedi Knight, and Ben Starr pours his absolute heart and soul into his performance asFinal Fantasy 16’s Clive Rosfield, Neil Newbon’s Astarion is simply just too iconic, and his extreme level of popularity is likely to be the thing that gives him the slight winning edge over the rest.
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