Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord clinched the Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media.
Receiving the award, composer Winifred Phillips expressed gratitude to Digital Eclipse and fans, saying, “Your belief in game music and the passion you bring to it fuels our work. This honor means everything.”
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord is a 3D reimagining of the original Wizardry game from 1981, a pioneering medieval fantasy RPG credited with shaping titles like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Built on the original code, it even allows players to view the classic Apple 2 interface during gameplay.
Phillips outshone notable nominees like Wilbert Roget, II for Star Wars Outlaws, John Paesano for Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Bear McCreary for God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla, and Pinar Toprak for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
In a later interview, Phillips shared her shock, saying, “I was completely stunned. The competition was fierce with such incredible talent, and I deeply admire the other nominees. This recognition is a career-defining moment.”
“Our craft is unique,” Phillips added. “We compose music that complements players’ choices, adventures, and epic stories. It’s a privilege to feel like we’re collaborating with players, creating a shared experience that’s truly special.”
Past winners of this prestigious award include Stephanie Economou for Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. The first video game music to win a Grammy was Christopher Tin’s Baba Yetu from Civilization 4, which took Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist at the 53rd Grammy Awards in 2011.
