Grammy-Winning Composer Prevails in "Wizardry: Proving Grounds" Soundtrack

Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, a 3D remake of the original 1981 RPG, has been awarded the Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media. Composer Winifred Phillips expressed her gratitude to Digital Eclipse and the audience for their recognition of video game music, stating it was a career highlight.

Phillips' win was a significant achievement, surpassing strong competition from notable composers including Wilbert Roget II (Star Wars Outlaws), John Paesano (Marvel's Spider-Man 2), Bear McCreary (God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla), and Pinar Toprak (Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora).

In a post-Grammy interview, Phillips described her surprise and respect for the fellow nominees. She highlighted the unique nature of video game scoring, emphasizing the collaborative aspect with players as they experience the game's narrative.

This prestigious award follows in the footsteps of previous winners such as Stephanie Economou (Assassin's Creed Valhalla) and Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab (Star Wars Jedi: Survivor). The win also builds upon the legacy of Christopher Tin's "Baba Yetu" (Civilization 4), the first video game music to win a Grammy in 2011. The original Wizardry game, a pioneering party-based RPG, is considered a foundational title in the genre, inspiring later classics like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Interestingly, the remake retains the original Apple 2 interface, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and modern gaming.