Naomi Yang

Beijing-born, Manchester-raised actress and voice talent Naomi Yang moved to the UK at six and built a career spanning prestige British television and major gaming titles. A BAFTA Elevate selectee with stage credits at the RSC, she brings considered, grounded performances to every project. Best known for voicing Sage in Valorant, Needle Knight Leda in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and her screen role in BAFTA-nominated film Lilting.

Naomi Yang’s Crossover Career: From British Screens to Gaming’s Biggest Titles

Few paths in modern voice acting mirror the one carved out by Naomi Yang. Born in Beijing and raised in Manchester after moving to the UK at age six, she built her name through theatre, television, and film before her voice became embedded in two of gaming’s most recognisable characters. That dual identity – grounded stage actor and in-demand voice talent – defines how she approaches every role she takes on.

Her screen debut came in the 2014 BAFTA-nominated film Lilting, directed by Hong Khaou, where she appeared under the name Naomi Christie. The film opened doors across British television, leading to roles as Joy Fu in Channel 4’s Chimerica, Li in Peaky Blinders, and Maggy – described as an awkward child prodigy – in Paul Abbott’s Sky series Wolfe. ITV’s Maternal added Mae Zhang to her credits, further cementing her presence across prestige UK drama.

Sage, Valorant, and the Voice That Defines a Healer

When Riot Games launched Valorant in 2020, one agent stood out for the warmth and precision of her voice lines. Sage – the team’s healer and sentinel – carries a calm authority that shapes the feel of every match she appears in. Yang’s portrayal leans into that measured protectiveness: every line of dialogue reinforces the character’s role as the one who keeps the team alive and focused. The performance became one of the most recognised voices in competitive gaming almost immediately after launch.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Needle Knight Leda

FromSoftware’s 2024 expansion Shadow of the Erdtree introduced Needle Knight Leda as the first character players encounter – the apparent leader of Miquella’s followers, radiating honour and devoted light. Bringing that character to life required Yang to balance surface-level nobility against something far more layered underneath. The role confirmed her place in the game voice acting world beyond a single franchise, with additional credits in Diablo IV and Total War: Warhammer III further rounding out her gaming portfolio.

Stage Work and the RSC

Alongside screen and game work, Yang’s stage career reached a notable point with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican, where she played Tsukiko in the Olivier-nominated show. Selected for BAFTA’s Elevate programme and the Royal Court Playwriting Group, her interests extend behind the camera as well – her pilot Unreasonable Behaviour, supported by All3Media, explores intergenerational family dynamics.