The Grammy Awards have announced the nominations for a staggering 91 categories, but the gaming world will be keeping an eye on the newly introduced honor for video game soundtracks.Music crafted for video games has been eligible for the coveted awardssince 2011, but a dedicated category marks substantial progress in the recognition afforded to such a crucial and respected aspect of the interactive industry.Grammy nominations for video game soundtracks have not been nonexistent, just few and far between. SinceJourney won Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Mediaat the 2013 ceremony, additional accolades have come only more recently, withKirbysong “Meta Knight’s Revenge” nominated for Best Arrangement, Instrumental, or A Cappella category, which it won during the 2022 Grammy Awards. However, it was announced in June, earlier this year, that a new category titled Best Score Soundtrack For Video Games and Other Interactive Media would be added for 2023.RELATED:Hideo Kojima Reveals He Is Interested in Creating Films and MusicAustin Wintory, composer forJourney,celebrated not only his second nomination but those of his peers too, tweeting his excitement at sharing the honor with them.Aliens: Fireteam Eliteis the release Wintory has been recognized for, which expertly experimented with the traditional instruments and motifs present throughout the classic horror franchise, but the seminal gaming artist faces notable competition in order to receive his second Grammy. AlthoughGod of War Ragnarokwas released too late into 2022 to be considered,composer Bear McCrearystill picked up a nomination forCall of Duty: Vanguard, an entry to the first-person franchise which failed to garner the adoration of fans but continued an impressive legacy of OSTs.
TheDawn of Ragnarokexpansion forAssassin’s Creed Valhallabrought a vast amount of content, as well as an entire soundtrack, which earned a Grammy nod for Stephanie Economou.Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxywas a surprise hit last year, with a narrative that won a Game of the Year award, in addition to a thrilling OST by Richard Jacques which has now been nominated for a Grammy.Old Worldis the final title on the shortlist, a historical turn-based 4X strategy game that boasts a beautiful soundtrack, composed by Christopher Tin and inspired by cultures from across the world.
Some may notice that many of these titles were released in 2021, yet have been nominated for this upcoming ceremony.Unlike the Game Awards, which has an eligibility cut-off in November, the Grammy Awards only consider OSTs released between July 12, 2025, and May 18, 2025. Additionally, the music heard in-game and the OST are two separate entities, typically requiring individual contracts, meaning that although titles may have been released earlier, their final soundtracks were not finished until after release.
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