For the past decade,The Game Awardshas set out to celebrate the best games of the year, and with that, the performances that brought its characters to life. As gaming has evolved, so have the performances that bring such depth to these unique stories, andThe Game Awardsboasts an impressive list of nominees this year for the respective category.
Best Performance is a category that brings a handful of the year’s best roles front and center. Each actor nominated in the category has excelled at making a game’s character more lifelike and relatable, which can be difficult to effectively achieve.The many categories at The Game Awardspromise plenty of exciting wins on the horizon, and Best Performance looks to be a tight race.
2024 Best Performance Nominees
Briana White as Aerith in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthwas one of the year’s most-anticipated releases, and the many impressive performances featured within brought the story to greater heights. While there was a long list of strong performances featured inFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Briana White charmed many players with her ability to really embodymany of Aerith’s qualities. With her portrayal, Briana White encapsulates Aerith’s kindness and playfulness while also showcasing her determination and strength. Taking on the role of such a beloved character is no easy feat, but Briana White’s performance really resonated with fans, earning her this year’s Golden Joystick award for Best Supporting Performer.
Hannah Telle as Max Caulfield in Life is Strange: Double Exposure
Nine years after the first game,Life is Strange: Double Exposurereunites fans with original protagonist Max Caulfield as she now has to investigate the murder of a friend at Caledon University. While the game itself received mixed reviews overall, one of the shining points throughout its story was Hannah Telle’s performance.Much ofLife is Strange: Double Exposurefails to offer something stellar, but Hannah Telle is the exception. Her return as Max Caulfield is the most consistent part of the game, creating a strong backbone that keepsLife is Strange: Double Exposurefrom faltering too much. While the cast in general is a big strength for the title, Hannah Telle stands out.
Humberly Gonzalez as Kay Vess in Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlawsmay have had a rocky start at launch, but one of the biggest achievements the game can boast is the performance of its lead actress, Humberly Gonzalez.Taking on the role of scoundrel Kay Vess, she offers a fantastically balanced nuance that is reminiscent of classicStar Wars. Successfully showing off Kay’s moral compass and charming naivety, Gonzalez’s performance inStar Wars Outlawsbrings a compelling new character to life in a franchise full of iconic names.
Her competent portrayal of a smuggler’s life helped enhance the immersion ofStar Wars Outlaws. Against the game’s more controversial flaws, Humberly Gonzalez could easily be considered by many as one ofStar Wars Outlaws' best qualities. While some points ofStar Wars Outlawshad to face post-launch fixes, Gonzalez’s performance is a unifying force in a divisive game.
Luke Roberts as James Sunderland in Silent Hill 2
Taking on the role ofJames inSilent Hill 2was no easy task. As a beloved survival horror classic, the expectations surrounding Bloober Team’sSilent Hill 2remake were huge, but the developers and cast were able to pull it off. While the originalSilent Hill 2is hailed by many as iconic, the game’s performances haven’t exactly aged well. The work of Bloober Team brings the titular town of Silent Hill to life, but Luke Roberts' performance as James is the beating heart of the story. His subtle, but intensely emotional, performance brings forth both the horror and sadness of James and his actions. He’s a truly tragic character, and Roberts' approach to the role modernizes him in a way that brings his tragic nature to even more effective heights.
Melina Juergens as Senua in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Melina Juergens returns as the titular heroine ofSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. Although this sequel may have not reached the same heights of its predecessor, Juergens' portrayal of Senua feels even more potent. Despite having no acting experience prior to Senua, Juergens has now brought visceral and painful emotions to both the first game andHellblade 2. With the help of motion and facial capture used by Ninja Theory, Juergens fully brings Senua to life, as players are able to feel every emotion that she conveys. From her intense, stoic stares, emotional outbursts, and intense fear,Hellblade 2puts Juergens' impressive range on full display. Every line delivered from Juergens holds heavy weight, bringingthe emotions ofHellblade 2front and center at all times.
Final Prediction
When examining these five actors, Best Performance stands to be one of the tightest competitions of the event. Every actor involved gives a strong and effective performance, but it may ultimately boil down to Luke Roberts and Melina Juergens. Both present incredibly strong arguments for who should be the winner, but Juergens seems likely to come out on top. Roberts' portrayal of James Sunderland is a game-changing performance, yet Juergens' return as Senua showcases a wider range of emotions.Predicting The Game Awardsis a challenge, but this category in particular presents five great choices.
There is no tellingwhat The Game Awards will have in storefor viewers when it airs on December 12. As the event quickly draws closer, the winner for Best Performance will finally be revealed, and it feels like Melina Juergens has a strong chance among a collection of fantastic performers.
