Among the standout moments in video games throughout 2024, Still Wakes the Deep delivered arguably the most impactful acting—and now, that excellence has finally received the recognition it deserves at the BAFTA Game Awards.
The emotional weight carried by this survival-horror experience was significantly heightened by its cast. Every actor brought something memorable to their roles, but Alec Newman’s portrayal of protagonist Caz stood out above the rest. His performance anchored the entire narrative, turning an already tragic tale into something genuinely haunting.
Caz’s backstory is marked by regret and desperation. After a reckless bar fight, he escapes to a remote oil rig off the coast of Scotland, attempting to evade both the police and the consequences of his actions. This decision forces him to leave behind his wife and children under strained circumstances. But once a nightmarish creature invades the rig, Caz’s only priority becomes making it out alive—so he might return home and face what he left behind.
A Cast That Elevated the Story
While Newman delivered a masterclass in emotional depth, particularly during the game’s final sequences, he wasn’t alone in bringing this world to life. Shaun Dooley gave a gut-wrenching performance as Roy, especially during the final moments of his character arc. Stewart Scudamore as Addair and Nicholas Boulton as Trots also delivered standout moments. Yet among them all, Karen Dunbar’s portrayal of Finlay was especially moving.
Finlay emerges as a vital presence late in the story, becoming one of the last people the player can rely on. The combination of nuanced voice work and character importance made her an emotional anchor as the game reached its climax.
Well-Deserved Awards for a Game That Went Underappreciated
Both Alec Newman and Karen Dunbar were recognized at the BAFTA Game Awards—Newman winning for best leading performance and Dunbar for best supporting. Considering how under-the-radar Still Wakes the Deep remained upon release, this recognition feels long overdue. The majority of the cast delivered some of the most powerful performances seen in recent gaming, turning what could have been a straightforward horror game into an unforgettable emotional journey.