Top Voice Performances in Recent Video Games

10/12/2025

The past year has showcased remarkable talent in video game voice acting, with various performers delivering captivating portrayals that enriched diverse narratives and gameplay experiences. From established industry veterans consistently demonstrating their range to fresh faces making significant impacts, these vocal performances are crucial in shaping player connection and character depth. As the awards season approaches, many of these roles are poised for recognition, reflecting the growing appreciation for the artistry behind spoken dialogue in interactive entertainment.

Troy Baker, a prominent figure in video game voice acting, known for iconic roles like Joel in \"The Last of Us\" and Sam Drake in \"Uncharted,\" is anticipated to receive significant acclaim in the upcoming awards season. His compelling performance as the titular character in \"Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,\" released in December 2024, is generating considerable buzz. Rather than a direct imitation of Harrison Ford, Baker's portrayal skillfully captures the essence of the character, a feat even endorsed by Ford himself. Additionally, Baker's intense portrayal of Higgs in \"Death Stranding 2: On the Beach\" further solidifies his standing as a leading contender. With two major eligible roles, a nomination for Baker appears almost certain, and a victory is highly probable.

Jennifer English has also experienced a surge in recognition, following her roles as Latenna in the 2022 Game of the Year, \"Elden Ring,\" and the beloved Shadowheart in the 2023 Game of the Year, \"Baldur's Gate 3.\" This year, her work as Maelle in \"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33\" has positioned her at the forefront of discussions for 2025's Game of the Year. English's versatility shines through as she embodies Maelle's emotional journey, conveying pain, sorrow, and moments of happiness. Her nuanced performance, especially her subtle shifts in character as new truths about Maelle emerge in Act 3, demonstrates remarkable depth and growth, significantly contributing to the game's overall impact.

In a surprising turn, Gabe Cuzzillo, one of the developers of \"Baby Steps,\" delivers a memorable performance as Nate, the game's protagonist. Despite the game's slapstick walking simulator genre, Cuzzillo's comedic timing and evolving character arc elevate Nate beyond a simple caricature. Initially presented as a clumsy, socially awkward individual, Nate's hidden insecurities and struggles with masculinity are gradually revealed. This transformation, highlighted by a pivotal moment in the narrative, turns Nate into a surprisingly sympathetic figure, making Cuzzillo a dark horse contender for performance awards, demonstrating that compelling voice work can emerge from unexpected places.

Brandon Keener has once again solidified his reputation for voicing steadfast, reptilian-like companions with blue skin, a niche he famously carved out as Garrus in the \"Mass Effect\" trilogy. His role as Kai in \"Avowed\" draws clear parallels to his past work, with Kai sharing blue skin and serving as a moral compass within the player's party. However, Keener infuses Kai with a distinct affability that differentiates him from his space-cop counterpart. As the first companion to join the player, Kai's welcoming presence, largely due to Keener's comforting voice, greatly enhances the immersion into \"Avowed's\" semi-open world. This performance reinforces Keener's ability to create memorable and beloved supporting characters.

Luca Marinelli's portrayal of Neil Vanna in \"Death Stranding 2: On the Beach\" stands out amidst a cast of Hollywood stars. While Norman Reedus, as the leading man, is a likely awards nominee, Marinelli's smaller yet impactful role as the cryptic, Solid Snake-esque side character, Neil Vanna, leaves a lasting impression. Despite having less dialogue than Reedus, Marinelli maximizes his screen time, mirroring Mads Mikkelsen's memorable performance in the original game. He masterfully transitions Neil from an unsettling antagonist to a vulnerable character whose pain is gradually revealed, injecting a much-needed layer of human vulnerability into a game often characterized by its over-the-top acting.

Alex Jordan's exceptional voice work in \"The Alters\" deserves significant recognition, even if the game itself is considered an underdog in the Game of the Year race. Jordan not only voices the main character, Jan Dolski, a builder stranded on a hostile planet, but also every cloned iteration of Jan, known as \"Alters.\" His talent lies in making each of the nearly dozen Alters feel distinct and unique, from the gruff Jan Technician to the annoyingly superior Jan Scientist. This remarkable range and ability to create multiple individual personalities within a single game highlights Jordan's versatility and makes him a strong candidate for performance awards.

Marios Gavrillis's compelling portrayal of Emmerich Voss in \"Indiana Jones and the Great Circle\" arguably surpasses even Troy Baker's performance in the same game. Gavrillis masterfully embodies the villainous Nazi rival, displaying remarkable range and depth. He oscillates between menacingly cool composure and sudden bursts of madness as the stakes escalate, revealing the character's unraveling facade. His slimy yet charismatic acting creates a perfect counterpoint to Baker's Indiana Jones, emphasizing how essential both performances are to the game's dynamic. Gavrillis's nuanced villainy elevates the conflict and makes him a standout performer.

In \"Hades 2,\" the entire cast delivers stellar performances, but Becca Q. Co's voice work as Nemesis, the goddess of retribution, is particularly noteworthy. Designed to provoke and challenge the player, Nemesis engages in taunting interactions, from stealing items to blocking progress, all while berating the player's efforts. Co's distinctive, husky rasp imbues Nemesis's dialogue with a visceral quality that transcends mere words, making her verbal jabs feel impactful and real. This performance effectively leverages sound engineering to create a character that is both infuriating and captivating, demonstrating the power of vocal delivery in creating a memorable antagonist.

Kelly Burke's portrayal of The Traveler in \"Cronos: The New Dawn\" is a masterclass in conveying emotion without traditional facial expressions. Despite being clad in a full spacesuit and belonging to a utilitarian culture, Burke skillfully uses subtle vocal inflections and movements to develop a deep connection between the player and the character. Her performance begins with a detached, almost robotic quality, gradually revealing raw vulnerability as the game's time-bending narrative unfolds. The Traveler's unique manner of speaking is immediately intriguing, and Burke's artistry in making this seemingly stoic character relatable is central to the game's emotional impact. Developers even credit Burke with conceptualizing one of the game's most poignant moments.

Johnny Santiago makes a striking impression as Don Bernardo Torrisi in \"Mafia: The Old Country,\" instantly commanding attention from his first appearance. Santiago, a model and screen actor, brings a chilling quiet menace to the head of the early 20th-century Sicilian crime family. His portrayal of Torrisi, obsessed with his legacy, showcases a character who remains outwardly calm while plotting and doting on his associates, yet beneath the surface, a barely contained wrath simmers. The constant anticipation of his inevitable outbursts creates genuine tension, and when they occur, they are truly terrifying, establishing Torrisi as one of gaming's most compelling villains, rivalling even Greek demigods in intensity.