For the second straight year, the most unlikely recipient received a significant accolade.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor recently received a Grammy Award for its exceptional soundtrack. Composers Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab were honored with the Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media award, acknowledging their outstanding work in creating an original score for the sequel.
This year’s competition included notable nominees such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, God of War Ragnarök, Hogwarts Legacy, and Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical.
Congrats Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media winners – @composerbarton & @gordyhaab ("Star Wars Jedi: Survivor") #GRAMMYs 🎶
WATCH NOW https://t.co/OuKk34kvdu pic.twitter.com/f3HxBHV2UK
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) February 4, 2024
The Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media wasn’t around until last year, making this the second year the award has been presented. Last year, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök claimed the inaugural award, establishing a new precedent for recognizing the artistic merit of video game soundtracks. The award reflects the Recording Academy’s commitment to celebrating diverse communities of music creators, as stated by CEO Harvey Mason Jr. It’s designed to recognize excellence in score soundtrack albums that are predominantly comprised of original scores and created specifically for video games or other interactive media within the qualification period.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, developed by Respawn Entertainment, is a sequel to the acclaimed Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The game continues the adventures of its protagonist within the expansive Star Wars universe, backed by a score that enhances the immersive experience. Its soundtrack, lauded for its rich orchestral themes, contributes significantly to the game’s storytelling and atmospheric depth.
Nevertheless, this award comes a surprise, similar to Mortal Kombat 1’s win last year.
While the recognition plays a role in the increasing importance of gaming soundtracks in the music industry, award bodies should strive to be more inclusive with the entries. It’s telling that none of the nominees for this year’s Best Score and Music at The Game Awards 2023, which Final Fantasy 16 ultimately won, isn’t included in the lineup.
Looking ahead, this category should strive to improve its selection of nominees, but for now, this is a good start.
Respawn Entertainment hasn’t confirmed a third Star Wars Jedi: Survivor game. However, the game’s lead actor, Cameron Monaghan, revealed that Star Wars Jedi 3 is in the works last year.
