For millions of gamers, Sir Patrick Stewart wasn't just a celebrated actor—he was the voice that welcomed them to Tamriel, the mentor who guided a vampire hunter, and the familiar presence of Captain Picard and Professor X. Stewart passed away on October 28, 2026, in Los Angeles at age 86, surrounded by his wife Sunny, after a brief battle with Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia. While his stage and screen work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Star Trek, and X-Men made him a household name, his contributions to video games were equally remarkable.
In an era when many actors of his caliber wouldn't touch a game script, Stewart embraced the medium with the same dedication he brought to any film role. Whether he was playing royalty, a scheming knight, or reprising his most beloved characters, he treated every performance with professionalism and heart. Here are the roles that cemented his status as a gaming icon.
Emperor Uriel Septim VII – The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
When The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion launched in 2006, players instantly recognized the regal voice of Emperor Uriel Septim VII. The game opens with the player in a prison cell, and Stewart's Emperor arrives fleeing assassins, his presence commanding immediate respect. Though his screen time is brief—he's killed by the Mythic Dawn cult shortly after—his performance sets the entire story in motion. With his dying breath, he entrusts you with the Amulet of Kings and sends you to find his heir, Martin, voiced by Sean Bean. The 2025 remaster brought Stewart's performance back for a new generation, proving its lasting impact.
Zobek / Death – Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
In 2010, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow rebooted Konami's iconic series as a linear action game, and MercurySteam brought in Stewart to lend instant gravitas. He played Zobek, a knight of the Brotherhood of Light who guides protagonist Gabriel Belmont, voiced by Robert Carlyle. Stewart narrates each chapter, adding a layer of epic storytelling. The game itself had mixed reviews, but Stewart's portrayal made Zobek unforgettable. In a twist, Zobek is revealed to be the Lord of the Dead, having manipulated Gabriel for his own ends. The sequel, Lords of Shadow 2, saw Stewart return as a reluctant ally, and he effortlessly embodied both the mentor and the villain.
Captain Picard and Professor Xavier – Star Trek and X-Men Games
Stewart never strayed far from his signature roles, and video games offered fans a chance to spend more time with them. His first gaming role was as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Final Unity (1995), a point-and-click adventure that reunited the cast for what felt like a lost episode. He later reprised the captain in Star Trek: Armada (2000) and Star Trek: Elite Force II (2003). Professor Xavier got similar treatment, with Stewart voicing him in X-Men: Next Dimension (2002), X2: Wolverine's Revenge (2003), and X-Men: The Official Game (2006). His best work came in the X-Men Legends series, where he was the only film cast member to reprise his role in the sequel.
Stewart's willingness to embrace gaming helped legitimize the medium for other A-list actors. His performances in Oblivion and Castlevania are still celebrated by fans, and his work on Star Trek and X-Men games gave players a chance to interact with beloved characters. As we look back on his career, it's clear that Stewart didn't just lend his voice—he gave his all, making every role memorable.
His legacy extends beyond the screen. Stewart's work in gaming has inspired a new generation of actors to take on voice roles, and his performances continue to be discovered by players today. Whether you first met him as a doomed emperor or a scheming knight, his impact on the industry is undeniable. For more on how video game adaptations have evolved, check out how Arcane changed the game. And if you're looking for more gaming content, explore our list of the best martial arts games.
Sir Patrick Stewart will be remembered for his towering performances on stage and screen, but for gamers, he was a familiar voice that brought worlds to life. His passing is a loss, but his work remains—a testament to a career that truly spanned every medium.
