Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Force Pulls the Grammy for Best Video Game Soundtrack
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has emerged victorious at this year’s Grammy Awards, securing the prestigious accolade for best video game soundtrack. This triumph marks only the second time the award has been presented since its introduction last year.
The Grammy, bestowed in the category of Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media, was clinched by Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab for their exceptional composition in Respawn Entertainment’s latest Star Wars action-adventure.
During the grand event, both Barton and Haab graced the stage to accept the award. Haab expressed his gratitude towards his family for their unwavering love and support. Meanwhile, Barton dedicated the honor to his music teacher, emphasizing the significance of these educators in shaping aspiring artists. He stated, We had the choristers from the Pilgrim’s school in Winchester come and record on this, and it reminded me about music teachers being the most important thing.
Notably, a number of other outstanding games contended for the esteemed title, including Hogwarts Legacy, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and God of War: Ragnarok. Bear McCreary, the composer behind God of War: Ragnarok’s soundtrack, secured a nomination for the second consecutive year. Additionally, Stray Gods, an innovative role-playing musical directed by former Dragon Age storyteller David Gaider, earned a spot in the category. The game’s soundtrack, co-written by Austin Wintory, garnered Wintory his second simultaneous nomination, following his remarkable work on the soundtrack for Aliens: Fireteam Elite.
Last year’s inaugural Grammy award for a video game soundtrack was won by Stephanie Economou for her exceptional composition in the score for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök. Valhalla triumphed over several other prominent games, including Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Call of Duty: Vanguard, to secure the coveted title.
This latest achievement adds to Respawn Entertainment’s growing list of prestigious honors. In 2021, the studio clinched an Oscar for Best Documentary Short, awarded to Antony Giacchino for his remarkable contribution to Collette, an immersive VR film about a former French Resistance fighter initially featured in Respawn’s VR World War 2 shooter, Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond.
Since its initial rocky PC launch in April of last year, Jedi Survivor has made steady progress with a multitude of patches aimed at refining its performance issues. Moreover, the game has surpassed the launch sales of its predecessor, Jedi: Fallen Order, by an impressive 30%, leaving publisher EA delighted with its critical acclaim and commercial success. Furthermore, Jedi Survivor proudly took home PC Gamer’s coveted Best Adventure award for 2023, further bolstering Respawn’s growing collection of achievements, alongside their Oscar and Grammy triumphs. Excitingly, lead actor Cameron Monaghan has confirmed that work on a third Jedi game is already in progress, though it will be undertaken without former game director Stig Asmussen at the helm.
In conclusion, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has cemented its place in the industry’s hall of fame, securing the Grammy for Best Video Game Soundtrack. Barton and Haab’s exceptional composition deserves this recognition, adding another remarkable achievement to the Respawn Entertainment portfolio. Fans eagerly anticipate the next installment in the Jedi series, as the studio continues to impress both critics and gamers alike.
