Music Composition
Ongoing coverage on Music Composition.
Latest coverage
Get a good look at Control Resonant's otherworldly bosses in a PC Gaming Show exclusive extended interview
Remedy developers discuss Control Resonant, the upcoming ARPG sequel to Control, in an extended interview. Creative director Mikael Kasurinen and art director Elmeri Raitanen highlight inspirations like M.C. Escher and films such as Paprika, while lead level designer Anne-Marie Grönroos details the game's open-world elements and the unique 'Resonant' bosses. Composer Petri Alanko also explains his innovative approach to the game's soundtrack.
How Star Wars Prequels and Battlefront II Influenced the Zero Company Soundtrack
Composer Gordy Haab discusses how his previous work on Star Wars Battlefront II influenced the creation of the darker, original soundtrack for Star Wars Zero Company. The article highlights the connection between the two games' musical scores.
Why A Video Game Grammy Meant Much More Than An Award Win
Composer Stephanie Economou, the first Grammy winner for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games, discusses the significance of the award and how her experience in game music influenced her work on the HBO series Lanterns. She highlights the storytelling power of video game soundtracks and how the Grammy win validates the artistic and cultural importance of game music.
Tsunku shares emotional story behind Rhythm Heaven Groove and why he stayed loyal to Nintendo
Musician Tsunku shared an emotional account of his loyalty to Nintendo, declining offers from other companies for over a decade to wait for the Rhythm Heaven series' return. He also detailed how Nintendo's continued development of Rhythm Heaven Megamix during his battle with laryngeal cancer provided him with hope and courage, acknowledging the similar struggles faced by Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata at the time.
Playing the riff from Smoke on the Water on a cat piano may be possible in composer sim Offbeat, if you've got more musical talent than me
The music composition simulator Offbeat has launched in early access on PC, allowing players to create music using various instruments, including a cat piano. While attempting to recreate famous riffs like Deep Purple's 'Smoke on the Water' proved challenging, the game offers a fun experience for composing custom tunes and fulfilling client requests.
Award-Winning Composer Go Shiina to Create Music for TINY METAL 2
AREA 35 Inc. has announced that award-winning composer Go Shiina will create the music for their upcoming turn-based strategy game, TINY METAL 2. Shiina, known for his work on Demon Slayer and various Bandai Namco titles, will compose an orchestral score for the game, which is set to release in spring 2027 on PC via Steam and other platforms.
Xenoblade Genesis reveals director, composers, character designers
Nintendo has revealed key creative talent for Xenoblade Genesis, with Tetsuya Takahashi serving as general director. Yoko Shimomura, known for her work on the original Xenoblade Chronicles, is the main composer, joined by Mariam Abounnasr and Aimi Kiyota, with the Anuna chorus also contributing. Character designs are handled by Mai Yoneyama and Palow. The game is slated for a 2027 release on Nintendo Switch 2.
Troy Baker and Austin Wintory talk becoming Indiana Jones and writing death metal polkas for Counter-Strike
Actor Troy Baker and composer Austin Wintory discuss their careers and creative challenges in a joint interview. Baker shares his experience stepping into the role of Indiana Jones for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, while Wintory details his work on a unique music pack for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive that blended metal and polka.
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DOOM soundtrack composer Bobby Prince has returned home after a period in intensive care. The news was shared on the Doomworld forums, with thanks extended to Frans.
Newly-launched Ivors Composers Awards will honor video game composers
The Ivors Academy is launching The Ivors Composers Awards to specifically honor composers across film, television, video games, and music industries. The new awards ceremony will take place in London on November 17, 2026, with entries opening on June 1, 2026. This initiative aims to broaden recognition for compositional excellence in contemporary media.
007: First Light’s Newest Dev Diary Has Audio Director, Composers Discussing Sounds and Music
IO Interactive released a new developer diary for 007: First Light, featuring audio director Dominic Vega and composers The Flight discussing the game's music and sound design. The episode highlights the considerations for creating Bond's audio experience, including character motifs and location acoustics, with recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios. 007: First Light is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on May 27th, with a Nintendo Switch version planned for summer.
The Best Video Game Soundtracks Of 2026 (So Far)
This article highlights some of the best video game soundtracks released in 2026 so far, including those for Cairn, Esoteric Ebb, Marathon, Mewgenics, Scott Pilgrim, and Screamer. It provides listening options on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, and notes where vinyl editions are available.
Time to get your record player cranked up and needle in the groove for WarBirds 26 soundtrack.
Composer Jordi van den Hoek announced the official release of the soundtrack for WarBirds 26! on March 16, available on all major digital music platforms. The score aims to capture the contrast between the freedom of flight and the reality of combat through intricate woodwind arrangements. CEO Wild Bill Stealey expressed excitement about the music's integration into the updated game.
14 Women Behind the Scenes Who Are Changing the Face of Hollywood
This article highlights 14 influential women working behind the scenes in Hollywood, including composers, costume designers, producers, and showrunners. These individuals are credited with shaping major films and television shows, redefining industry influence, and inspiring future storytellers.
Journey composer Austin Wintory played an unreleased song from his canceled 'dream job of all time' during the Game Developers Choice Awards, just to drive home that the industry's doing great
During the 26th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards, composer Austin Wintory performed a piece of music from a canceled 'dream job' project at Humanoid Games. Wintory revealed this was a therapeutic coping mechanism for the project's cancellation after the studio closed in 2024. The awards ceremony also honored industry figures like Rebecca Heineman and Julian Lefay.
14 Influential Women Working Behind the Scenes in Hollywood
This article highlights 14 influential women working behind the scenes in Hollywood, including composers, producers, costume designers, and showrunners. These women have significantly impacted the film and television industry through their creative contributions and leadership, shaping popular culture and inspiring future generations.
Music composer for Xenoblade series finishes recording session she’s been working on since Summer 2024
Music composer Manami Kiyota, known for her work on the Xenoblade Chronicles series, has announced the completion of a recording session she began in Summer 2024. The specific game in the franchise for which this music is intended remains unconfirmed.
Clair Obscur wins Game of the Year at DICE Awards 2026
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive won Game of the Year at the 29th annual DICE Awards, alongside four other accolades including Role-Playing Game of the Year. Ghost of Yōtei received four awards, including Adventure Game of the Year. The event also saw Evan Wells inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame.
