New stage in the recognition of the artistic dimension of the video game, the integration of a category dedicated to the music of this field and that of interactive works within Grammies is a small event in itself. Logically named “Best Score Soundtrack For Video Games And Other Interactive Media“, said category is described as such: “Celebrates the excellence of soundtrack albums consisting primarily of original scores and created specifically for, or as an accompaniment to, a current video game or other interactive media released during the selection period.” A choice currently still in progress at the writing of these lines, ending on October 23.
It will then be necessary to wait until November 15 to know the list of soundtracks selected. For the moment, some works among the 70 having tried their luck are known: Elden Ring obviously (Yuka Kitamura, Yoshimi Kudo, Shoi Miyazawa, Tsukasa Saitoh and Tai Tomisawa), but also Tunic (Janice Kwan and Terence Lee), or Horizon Forbidden West (Joris De Man, Niels van der Leest, Oleksa Lozowchuk, The Flight). Without forgetting Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab for MultiVersus after their work on Jedi Fallen Order, nor Austin Wintory, present him with Aliens: Fireteam Elite. If it is of course very complicated to know in advance who will be selected, the BAFTAs can already give some clues. Whether it’s the big winner of the last ceremony, Returnal (Bobby Krlic, Joe Thwaites and Harry Krueger) or the various nominees like Halo Infinite (Gareth Coker, Joel Corelitz and Curtis Schweitzer).
But we must not forget composers like Bear McCreary (God of War) or Stephanie Economou (Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok) whose fame goes beyond video games because of their work in the field of cinema in parallel. In any case, the OST which will have succeeded in imposing itself will only be revealed during the evening of the Grammy Awards, on February 5, 2023.