Games

Austin Wintory: the magic of video games soundtracks

Posted: 11 Sep 2025

Soundtracks are powerful things. When used effectively they can evoke emotions, reinforce narratives and help audiences connect with what is happening in front of them.

Austin Wintory, the American conductor and composer behind the Journey and Assassin’s Creed Syndicate video games soundtracks is someone who knows how to harness this power. Wintory has been crafting music for some of the industry’s most recognisable games for more than a decade. Now, he is about to share his love for the craft at a landmark live event celebrating two decades of iconic BAFTA-nominated and award-winning games music – BAFTA Games in Concert.

Ahead of the live event we asked Wintory to share what inspires him, why video games soundtracks are so special, and more…

A composite image of a live orchestra with various computer game characters floating above them.
Credit: BAFTA Games in Concert

BYour music has inspired video games players worldwide but where do you draw your own inspiration from?

AWMy inspiration comes honestly from everywhere. Anywhere I can find it. Sometimes it's books or poems, or unrelated life experiences. Of course, it's also the projects themselves, and the conversations with the team.

BWhat do you think it is about games soundtracks that make them so special and creates the long-lasting effect they have on listeners?

AWIf I knew the answer concretely, I'd be hailed as the greatest ever composer!! Honestly, it's quite a bit of a mystery what will resonate, which is why we must always be honest, try our best, and execute to the absolute top of our abilities. The rest is simply not up to us.

That said, the works that speak to me the most always seem to have some glimpse of eternal truth. Like they could have been written at any time.

BHow do you feel music can be a tool for helping drive narratives forward and contribute to great storytelling in games?

AWMusic can add so much subtext in service of a narrative. It colours a tense scene with a smidge of tragedy. Or a funny scene with a dash of pain, etc etc. Using music to solely double down on the obvious elements of a story misses the chance to deepen the experience...

BCan you remember the first games soundtrack that left a real impression on you and why?

AWSo many, but Grim Fandango, when I was in high school totally altered my thinking. It wasn't just unique music but recorded with so much personality. It had something to SAY.

BHow did you feel when you were asked to take part in BAFTA Games in Concert?

AWIt's often stated how solitary composing can be, so it's an utterly thrilling opportunity to gather a big orchestra together, a gaggle of amazing composers and the audience for whom all it's made! I feel very honoured to have been asked to help put together, and also conduct, this concert celebrating the immense spectrum of games music which has passed through the BAFTA halls the last couple of decades.

BWhat do you hope audiences at the live performances will take away from the experience of hearing a live orchestra play the music from games?

AWI hope they not only have a great time with the selections we are serving up, but hopefully also they get a sense of the PEOPLE behind these games. Not just the music, but the teams who strive to make something special. We plan to really centre that, as I've always found that when I peel back the curtain on a piece I love, it massively deepens my connection to it.

More about BAFTA Games in Concert

BAFTA Games in Concert will see Wintory direct the BBC Concert Orchestra in a world premiere performance at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Saturday 31 January 2026.

The concert will feature iconic soundtracks from BAFTA Games Award winners and nominees, including:

• Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture by Jessica Curry
• Baldur’s Gate 3 by Borislav Slavov
• Hitman: Contracts by Jesper Kyd
• Tomb Raider: Legend by Troels Brun Folmann
• Assassin’s Creed by Jesper Kyd
• Cuphead by Kris Maddigan
• Journey by Austin Wintory

Book your tickets now

BAFTA Games in Concert will also be hitting the road in 2026, taking in various cities around the UK as well as international dates. Keep an eye on www.liveconcert.games for more details.

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