COGconnected GOTY 2025 – Best Performance
This year was an absolute standout year for video game performances. It didn’t just raise the bar, it smashed it. In fact, every one of these performances proved that games are one of the most powerful storytelling mediums. Whether we look at indie or AAA games, one thing is clear – the actors delivered performances that were emotionally raw and deeply memorable. They used voice work, motion capture, and even silence to ensure we connected with these characters every step of the way. So without further ado, this list celebrates the best performances that defined the year, reminding us here at COGconnected again and again, why a powerful performance matters just as much as great gameplay.
10. Johnny Santiago as Don Bernardo Torrisi (Mafia: The Old Country)
Johnny Santiago’s Don Bernardo Torrisi is all cold eyes and quiet threats. Every line of this razor-sharp performance lands like a warning, soaked in authority and menace. Santiago absolutely sells that old-school mob boss vibe. It’s a chilling performance that sets the tone for the game and lingers long after the screen fades out.
9. Hidenari Ugaki as Goro Majima (Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii)
Hidenari Ugaki’s been playing Goro Majima forever, and he’s still finding new ways to make him unpredictable. One second you’re laughing at him, the next you’re genuinely worried about what he’ll do. Not many actors can walk that line. It’s not just a performance, it’s an event.
8. Konatsu Kato as Hinako (Silent Hill f)
Konatsu Kato delivers a haunting performance as Hinako, carrying fear, grief, and resolve without overplaying a moment. Her quiet delivery makes the horror hit like a whisper in your ear, grounding Silent Hill f in raw, human emotion. It’s a performance that sneaks under your skin and sets up camp there.
7. Norman Reedus as Sam Porter Bridges (Death Stranding 2)
Norman Reedus’ performance in Death Stranding 2 feels deeper and more nuanced than in the first game. He gets to peel back more layers of Sam this time around – more vulnerability, more humanity beneath that stoic exterior. You actually understand why he keeps going when everything’s falling apart. It’s a fantastic performance that we’ll remember long after the journey ends.
6. Tom McKay as Henry (Kingdom Come: Deliverance II)
Tom McKay’s Henry isn’t your typical video game hero. No destiny, no special powers, just a regular dude trying not to mess everything up after life goes sideways. The way he plays Henry’s doubt alongside his determination makes you actually care what happens to him. His performance gives Kingdom Come: Deliverance II its raw heart.
5. Luca Marinelli as Neil Vana (Death Stranding 2)
Luca Marinelli is absolutely magnetic as Neil Vana, delivering a performance that’s equal parts intense and menacing. He plays Norman Reedus’ counterpart so well – adding tension, intrigue, and a sense of danger, keeping the journey both unpredictable and high-stakes. Everything about him feels dangerous even when he’s being charming. You know something bad is coming, you just don’t know when. It’s a performance that electrifies Death Stranding 2 and keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
4. Ben Starr as Verso (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)
Ben Starr delivers a powerhouse performance as the lead Verso in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, balancing emotional intensity and rugged determination. Every line, glance, and hesitation carries weight, making his character feel lived-in and compelling. It’s a performance that anchors the story and makes the journey utterly gripping.
3. Jennifer English as Maelle (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)
Jennifer English makes every scene Maelle’s in feel important. Her every expression and pause conveys depth, making Maelle feel fully alive in the dangerous world of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It’s a performance that stays with you, balancing strength and emotion with unforgettable precision.
2. Charlie Cox as Gustav (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)
Charlie Cox delivers a quietly captivating performance as Gustav, mixing restrained intensity with sharp emotional undertones. Every glance and measured word reveals layers of ambition, doubt, and hidden motives, making Gustav feel deeply compelling. It’s a performance that heightens the stakes of every scene and keeps you hooked at every turn.
1. Troy Baker as Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle)
We all know Harrison Ford IS Indiana Jones…and yet, Troy Baker makes this character his own. His performance in Indiana Jones is a masterclass in honoring an iconic character. He captures the spirit of Indiana, while making it his own thing completely. He does a great job proving that Indiana Jones isn’t just a hat and a whip, but a character defined by curiosity, stubbornness, and heart. Troy Baker’s performance proves that even the most legendary roles can still feel fresh in the right hands.
Honourable Mentions
Now, of course, there are more fantastic performances that didn’t make the top 10. A few of them include Troy Baker as Higgs in Death Stranding 2, Gabe Cuzzillo as Nate in Baby Steps, and, much to my own surprise, Milo Ventimiglia as Mason from Black Ops 7.
Let us know your favorite performances this year. What was your number 1? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on social media.