安德鲁·温科特访谈：为《Baldur’s Gate III》拉斐尔注入生命（Supanova）

Few video game characters in recent memory have captured the imagination of players quite like Raphael, the delightfully sinister cambion from Larian Studios’ critically acclaimed RPG masterpiece, Baldur’s Gate III. Brought to life with unforgettable flair by veteran actor Andrew Wincott, Raphael walks the fine line between aristocratic charm and terrifying threat—culminating in one of the most iconic, show-stopping musical boss fights in modern gaming history.

Ahead of his upcoming appearance at Supanova Comic Con & Gaming, Impulse Gamer caught up with Andrew Wincott to chat about recording his own villainous show tune, stepping into the motion-capture suit, and what it’s like meeting fans who just can’t resist making a deal with the devil.

Impulse Gamer: Playing Raphael in Baldur’s Gate III became an absolute sensation, particularly your show-stopping performance during your own boss battle song. What was it like recording your own villainous musical number for a massive RPG?

Andrew Wincott: It was extraordinary to be asked to do Raphael’s Final Act because it was quite a risky thing—having a major antagonist sing his own boss fight! I just went with the flow. I’m not really a singer, but they told me not to worry about that. We recorded the song in about an hour, with composer Borislav Slavov directing me down the line from Bulgaria.

At the very end, Bobby said, “We’re almost ready to go on stage,” and a little window opened in my mind. I realized it was essentially a musical theatre number, which unlocked the style for me. Later, I had the privilege of performing it live as an encore at the Royal Festival Hall with Bobby and Maria. The reception from the audience was an absolute gift I’ll never forget.

Impulse Gamer: Raphael strikes an extraordinary balance between theatrical charm, subtle threat, and aristocratic swagger. How did you develop his distinct vocal cadence and presence?

Andrew Wincott: That balance is exactly what I hoped to achieve. I felt the devil should be charming. There’s a line in Hamlet about having the power to “assume a pleasing shape,” and I thought that fit Raphael perfectly. I placed him in that Miltonic Paradise Lost tradition—a 17th-century aristocrat with swagger and charm.

I wanted him to be ironic, playful, and fun, but to constantly walk a tightrope with underlying danger. The fun part was teasing the player. I love it when fans tell me, “I wanted to do a deal with Raphael even though I knew I shouldn’t.” He’s the devil we love to hate—or hate to love.

Impulse Gamer: Coming from traditional voice, screen, and stage acting, what were the unique creative challenges of performing for a massive, branching game like Baldur’s Gate III?

Andrew Wincott: Baldur’s Gate III was actually my first experience with motion capture. On my very first session, when they asked me to angle my body slightly, I realized I was in a three-dimensional space—it felt just like being on stage again!

All the subtle gestures in the cutscenes are mine. As development progressed, they put sensors in the back of our gloves to capture detailed hand movements. Every session was free, collaborative, and creative. I was trusted and allowed to play Raphael the way I instinctively felt he should be played, thanks to Larian Studios and PitStop Productions.

Impulse Gamer: Having worked on earlier titles going back decades, how have you seen the gaming industry’s approach to voice performance and character development evolve over your career?

Andrew Wincott: I’ve been voicing games since around 1996, starting with titles like Broken Sword, where a group of radio actors assembled in a London studio wondering what non-linear game recording even was!

Ultimately, all acting is about being in the moment and finding the truth of that moment, even when you don’t know the full scope of the narrative. The gaming industry has fully embraced that theatrical depth now. I do wonder where we’ll be in another 29 years—perhaps we’ll all be inserting chips into ourselves to play!

Impulse Gamer: When meeting fans at events like Supanova, what is the most frequent or favourite Raphael quote people ask you to deliver in person?

Andrew Wincott: The most popular one is definitely: “What’s better than a ‘devil you know’? Whatever you do.” It sums him up completely—playful, yet slightly threatening.

I also love delivering the rhyme from when you first meet him: “The mouse smiled brightly, outfoxed the cat… then down came the claw.” And of course: “A friend, potentially. An adversary, conceivably. But a saviour, that’s for certain.” Raphael is quite direct—he offers help, but there is always a price. It’s up to the player to decide whether to trust him, and that’s the magic of the game.

• Follow Andrew Wincott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wincottandrew
• Find event details and tickets for Supanova Comic Con & Gaming: https://www.supanova.com.au/