VGW: Lately, it seems, game music has taken another creative leap forward in the scores for indie games like Dear Esther (music by Jessica Curry) and now, Journey. In both of these critically-praised titles, the music functions not simply descriptively, but as a distinct character in its own right. The score is anything but evocative window dressing; it is integral to the game’s ultimate meaning and player experience.
Just having returned from this year’s GDC, Austin was gracious enough to answer a few questions about Journey and his work in videogame music.
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 has surprisingly been snubbed for the Grammys 2026 nominations, and nominee Austin Wintory has responded saying he is “sad at the lack of Expedition 33,” and that he “would happily trade places [because] That score is the definition of worthy”.
Especially when TWO of these nominations are DLC's / Expansions
Also 3 of these are games from massive movie franchises which already have iconic soundtracks to them, I'm not downplaying the game composers but they had a template to go off to what the games overall sounding style should feel like.
Expedition 33 is a top soundtrack. Universal acclaim. Does not compute.
I remember the last level of the game. There’s a part where the guitar just starts shredding, tapping and everything heh. I stopped everything and listened to it. Clipped it after. That’s just one example.
Indiana jones aghhhh 😂 jesus f christ. Sliksong and E33 have the best scores of the year and nothing else even comes close.
It is solid but the weaker story softens its impact, especially when comparing it to something like Expedition 33.
It's one thing to sound good, but it's another achievement to so masterfully marry the tone and vibe of the story with the musical score the way Sandfall did.
I am glad to see Indiana Jones get nominated for something at least. I expect it to be snubbed across most gaming-dedicated awards given its December '24 release, but MachineGames did do a good job with that game all around. The soundtrack hit those same nostalgic notes that likely earned Star Wars its nom too.
Still - it's a shame Expedition 33 isn't being recognized.
Towerborne is an upcoming cooperative/single player action RPG from Stoic Studios, with music by Austin Wintory.
Shaz from GL: "The way Journey evokes emotions through its narrative without using traditional storytelling methods is something no game has been able to replicate."
