Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, a 3D remake of the original 1981 game, has received the Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media. Composer Winifred Phillips expressed her gratitude to developer Digital Eclipse and the audience, stating the award signifies a recognition and appreciation for music in gaming. The original Wizardry is considered the first party-based video game RPG, inspiring titles like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Interestingly, this remake is built directly upon the original game's code, even allowing players to view the original Apple II interface.
She emphasized the unique nature of video game music composition, describing it as a collaborative process where music accompanies player choices and adventures, creating a special connection between composer and player. Previous winners of the Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack include Stephanie Economou (Assassin's Creed Valhalla) and Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab (Star Wars Jedi: Survivor). The first video game music to win a Grammy was Baba Yetu from Civilization 4, winning Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist in 2011.
