Winner of the Grammy for Best Video Game Soundtrack Revealed

Winifred Phillips made a remarkable mark at the 67th Grammy Awards by clinching the coveted Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media award. Her exceptional score for Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, a game that pays homage to its 1981 predecessor, truly stood out. This game is a detailed 3D version of the original Wizardry, a seminal RPG known for its pioneering approach to party-based gameplay. Its legacy is reflected in several iconic franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. The new version remains faithful to its origins, even enabling players to experience the nostalgic Apple 2 interface alongside the updated features.

This Grammy category, now in its third year, highlights the increasing recognition of video game music. The first award in 2023 went to Stephanie Economou for her work on Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, followed by Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab’s win last year for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Meanwhile, Bear McCreary, acclaimed for the music in the God of War series, has been nominated each year but has yet to take home the prize.

In a formidable lineup of nominees, Phillips’ composition for Wizardry shone brightly. It surpassed soundtracks from notable titles such as Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora by Pinar Toprak, God of War Ragnarok by Bear McCreary, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 by John Paesano, and Star Wars Outlaws by Wilbert Roget II. During her acceptance speech, Phillips expressed her gratitude to Digital Eclipse, praising their support and the growing appreciation for video game music. She said, “Thank you for believing in music for games and recognizing it, for breathing life, enthusiasm, and energy into what we do. It means so much.”

After the event, Phillips shared her surprise and gratitude, stating, “I really didn’t expect it. The category was populated with so much brilliance this year, and I have so much deep respect for the other nominees. To have been recognized is just a highlight of my career. It truly is.” She also talked about the unique challenges in composing for video games, emphasizing the collaborative experience with players.

Winifred Phillips has had a notable career in the world of video game music, contributing to renowned titles like God of War, LittleBigPlanet 2 and 3, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and Assassin’s Creed 3: Liberation. Despite her many accolades, including a nomination at The Game Audio Network Guild in 2021, this Grammy win is her first. It marks her as a trailblazer in the industry, heralding a promising future for the recognition of video game soundtracks in mainstream awards.

Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord is now available on Steam after spending time in early access. This remake maintains the spirit of the original while introducing various enhancements for today’s gamers. By blending the old with the new, it continues to captivate fans of role-playing games, ensuring the legendary series’ enduring appeal.